How can I run a program remotely via SSH but display locally

By adding the "-Y" flag to the ssh command, the display will automatically be redirected to your local computer.

ssh -Y <remoteip>

Then, if you start Firefox (or any other X application) in that ssh session, it will be displayed locally. (If you have a xserver running locally of course)

You are looking to do remote X. This is a good mini HOWTO.

You can also use compression when using X-forwarding:

ssh $HOSTNAME -CY $PROCESS

You might also want to try this:

ssh <hostname> -X <program-name or its full path>

There is another option which is usually more desirable. X11-forwarding is still kinda slow and the programs crash when your wifi connection just dropped AGAIN. With my remote-work project you can configure any app, say gedit, to open the file with a local gedit-instance from within the ssh session. All you have to do is add REMOTE_EXEC_PRODUCER_ADD_APPS gedit in the remote bashrc, enter gedit foo and the gedit installed on your laptop will open the remote file via sshfs. See also https://github.com/tycho-kirchner/remote-work