Open to Debate

Jake Tapper, a prominent CNN anchor and author, teams up with Alex Thompson, Axios's National Political Correspondent, to dissect their buzzing book, 'Original Sin.' They delve into Biden's debate fiasco and the implications for his presidency and the Democratic Party. The discussion covers the political fallout from age and health concerns, the media's role in shaping narratives, and the complexities surrounding the 25th Amendment. Tapper and Thompson highlight the urgent need for transparency in today's political landscape, sparking a lively conversation on public trust.

Jeremy Ben-Ami, founder of J Street and former advisor to President Clinton, debates Einat Wilf, a former Israeli Knesset member and co-author of "The War of Return." They tackle the complex implications of Trump’s policies on Israeli-Palestinian relations amidst the ongoing Gaza war. Wilf argues for Trump’s unwavering support of Israel, while Ben-Ami warns his approach could undermine peace efforts. The conversation dives into the historical significance of U.S. interventions, the challenge of achieving a two-state solution, and the future of Israeli democracy.

Lindsay Gorman, a technology expert at the German Marshall Fund, and former U.S. Representative Will Hurd argue for U.S. chip controls to outpace China in AI. They discuss how restricting access to advanced semiconductors could buy time for the U.S. to maintain its lead. On the opposing side, Paul Triolo and former diplomat Susan Thornton caution about potential backfires, warning it might harm U.S. competitiveness and that collaboration may be a better strategy. The conversation dives into the broader implications of the AI race and the role of technology in modern warfare.

In this engaging discussion, guests Jason Furman, a Harvard economics professor and former Obama advisor, and Mariana Mazzucato, an innovation economist from UCL, tackle the complexities of Trump's economic agenda. Alongside Stephen Moore, former Trump economic advisor, and Allison Schrager, Bloomberg columnist, they debate the effectiveness of tariffs in boosting American jobs versus potential inflation. Jeff Ferry, representing manufacturing interests, adds insights on domestic self-sufficiency. The episode dives deep into deregulation, its risks, and the balance needed for sustainable growth.

Robert Rosenkranz, chairman of Delphi Capital Management and author of 'The Stoic Capitalist,' discusses how Stoic philosophy shaped his ambitious career. He explores the integration of Stoicism with capitalism, emphasizing the importance of risk-taking and mentorship. Rosenkranz shares insights on enhancing public discourse through open-mindedness and examining personal growth through art collection. He reflects on applying Stoic principles during crises and aims to motivate young readers while fostering civility in political conversations.

Derek Scissors, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, argues for decoupling from China, citing national security risks. In contrast, Isaac Stone Fish emphasizes the economic dangers of severing ties. Benn Steil warns that decoupling could harm U.S. businesses and innovation, while Susan Shirk discusses the nuanced implications for global trade and alliances. The discussion also touches on cybersecurity and intellectual property, highlighting the intricate balance between economic dependence and strategic decision-making in U.S.-China relations.

Faisal Saeed Al Mutar, President of Ideas Beyond Borders, discusses the implications of the Trump administration's shift from soft power in the Middle East, arguing it was a necessary strategy against rivals like Iran and China. Jeffrey Gedmin, CEO of the Middle East Broadcasting Networks, counters that it harms America's image and undermines long-term stability in the region. The conversation dives into the effectiveness of U.S. foreign policy, the balance of hard and soft power, and the evolving dynamics with Israel amidst regional threats.

In this insightful discussion, Eric Berger, a senior space editor at Ars Technica and author, argues for the urgency of settling Mars to maintain U.S. leadership in space. Shannon Stirone, a freelance science writer, counters by emphasizing the ethical dilemmas and practical challenges of colonization. They delve into the competition with China, the human drive to explore versus the pressing issues on Earth, and the lessons learned from historical colonization. The conversation stirs a thought-provoking debate over humanity's next frontier.

Bret Stephens, Opinion columnist at The New York Times, argues for the fundamental necessity of objectivity in journalism, emphasizing its role in building trust. In contrast, Leonard Downie Jr, former executive editor of The Washington Post, calls for a reevaluation, suggesting that it might suppress valuable viewpoints. They engage in a lively debate over how historical events shape their perspectives on journalistic integrity, the evolving nature of newsrooms, and the need to balance objectivity with inclusive representation to regain public trust.

Cleo Abram, an independent tech journalist and creator of 'Huge If True,' brings her optimistic outlook on technology to the table. She and host Nayeema Raza tackle the fears of Millennials and Gen Z regarding climate change and parenting. They explore revolutionary tech like IVF advancements and artificial wombs that could redefine motherhood. The conversation also challenges media negativity, emphasizing a hopeful perspective on AI's role in the future of work and our responsibilities toward Earth.