Panelists talked about the implications of the war on terrorism on America's standing in the world and the credibility of the exportation of American ideals. They talked about the origin and creation of the ideal of freedom, the history of America exporting the ideals of freedom and democracy, and the U.S. policies enacted as a result of the war on terrorism. The panelists talked about instances of extraordinary rendition and enhanced interrogation techniques as used during the administration of President Bush. The panelists answered questions from members of the audience.

Ted Widmer is the author of Ark of the Liberties: America and the World, published by Hill and Wang. James Traub is the author of The Freedom Agenda: Why America Must Spread Democracy (Just Not the Way George Bush Did), published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux. Jane Mayer is the author of The Dark Side: The Inside Story of How the War on Terror Turned Into a War on American Ideals, published by Anchor. Fred Burton is the author of Ghost: Confessions of a Counterterrorism Agent, published by Random House.

"The War Over American Ideals" was a panel of the 2008 Texas Book Festival, held in the House Chamber in the Texas State House.