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Open to Debate

Latest episodes

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Feb 2, 2024 • 53min

Is the Republican Party’s Refusal to Raise Taxes Fiscally Irresponsible?

Debate on the fiscal responsibility of the Republican Party's refusal to raise taxes, exploring the impact on economic growth and the federal deficit. Discussions on the relationship between tax cuts, spending, and economic growth. Arguments for tax cuts to stimulate the economy and counterarguments on excessive spending. The negative consequences of refusing to raise taxes on the economy, working Americans, and individual freedom.
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Jan 26, 2024 • 53min

Is Engineering Solar Radiation A Crazy Idea?

Debate on solar geoengineering, discussing feasibility, desirability, and potential impacts. Concerns raised about intentional harms, power control, and involvement of military and intelligence agencies. Benefits and risks of engineering solar radiation, including impacts on the atmosphere and solar-powered devices. Urgency of studying solar geoengineering as a potential solution to reduce climate change risks emphasized. Winner of the debate revealed and gratitude expressed to debaters and listeners.
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Jan 19, 2024 • 53min

Is the American Dream in Decline?

The podcast debates the decline of the American Dream, with arguments about healthcare, education, and housing costs affecting financial stability. Speakers discuss the presence of mobility versus the decline in progress and rising inequality. The conversation also explores healthcare affordability, life expectancy, wage growth, political organization for revival, immigration impact, and a hopeful outlook for the future.
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Jan 12, 2024 • 53min

David Petraeus and Andrew Roberts on Conflict, War, and Debate

Retired U.S. Army General David Petraeus and historian Lord Andrew Roberts discuss conflict, war, and debate. They explore topics like proportionality in conflicts, information warfare, Brexit and Ukraine, NATO's role, and the moral obligations in future warfare. The podcast highlights the importance of understanding historical frameworks for gaining insights into ongoing conflicts and the vulnerability of democracies.
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Jan 5, 2024 • 53min

Mock Trial: Is Trump Guilty in the January 6th Case?

Lanny Davis, Attorney and Sara Azari, Criminal Defense Lawyer debate whether Trump is guilty in the January 6th case. The prosecution argues criminal intent, while the defense claims Trump acted under legal advice. Topics discussed include conspiracy, Trump's belief in election irregularities, presidential immunity, and the First Amendment's protection of speech.
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Dec 29, 2023 • 53min

David Brooks on the Art of Seeing and Hearing Others

David Brooks, New York Times columnist, discusses his book 'How to Know a Person' and shares strategies for fostering connections with people who have different perspectives. He emphasizes the importance of listening, understanding, and making others feel seen and appreciated. The podcast explores the decline of social trust, the joy of truly knowing others, and the impact of loneliness on political activism. It also provides techniques for engaging with people who lack curiosity and strategies for keeping debates as learning exercises. David Brooks reflects on his personal journey of emotional growth and overcoming defensive architecture.
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Dec 22, 2023 • 53min

Will the Future Be Abundant?

Peter Diamandis, Founder and Executive Chairman of an organization, debates with Peter Zeihan, Geopolitical Strategist, on whether the future will be abundant. They discuss advancements in technology, globalization, demographics, and concerns about inequality. They also explore the impact of technology on prosperity, the concept of time, and potential risks. The chapter concludes with a discussion on the challenges in unlocking abundance.
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Dec 15, 2023 • 53min

Should Congress Pass the Secure the Border Act?

Jessica Vaughan, Director of Policy Studies at the Center for Immigration Studies, argues in favor of the Secure the Border Act. The podcast discusses the implications of the act on border security, immigration, and the asylum system. It also explores the economic benefits of legal immigration, flaws in the eVerify system, and concerns about the negative impact of illegal migration on American workers. The hosts highlight the limitations of the Secure Border Act and the need for bipartisan discussions in the immigration space.
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Dec 8, 2023 • 53min

Will AI Kill the Future of the Creative Arts?

Jonathan Taplin argues yes, AI will kill the future of creative arts due to the lack of emotional depth and economic cost for human artists. The debate covers the impact of AI on copyright, compensation, and inclusion of artists, as well as skepticism towards machine-generated art. Ethical concerns and transhumanist notions are discussed. The potential devaluation of creative work and the grassroots resistance movement against AI are also examined.
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Dec 1, 2023 • 53min

How Would A No Labels Presidential Candidate Change the Outcome in 2024?

Debate over the impact of a No Labels presidential candidate in the 2024 election, including weak support for Trump and Biden, pushback from the establishment, and efforts to keep No Labels off the ballot. Discussion on potential effects of a third-party candidate on Trump's chances, concerns over diluting opposition, and disagreements on voters' preferences. Focus on the debate over independent candidates and their potential impact on democracy and major party candidates, along with the challenges of working with Congress and addressing extremism. Frustration with the current political landscape and the need for better choices in 2024, including the suggestion of a unity ticket and caution against a No Labels party and another term for Trump.

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