America is more divided than ever—but it doesn’t have to be. Open to Debate offers an antidote to the chaos. We bring multiple perspectives together for real, n...
Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have taken on a contentious role in the new Trump administration, which has affected federal agencies and thousands of workers. But are DOGE’s actions legal? Those arguing they aren’t worry it is overstepping and violating the Constitution. Those supporting DOGE’s actions say it is operating under strict oversight while fulfilling its mandate. Now we debate: Is Musk’s DOGE Dodging the Law?
Arguing Yes: Laurence Tribe, University Professor of Constitutional Law Emeritus at Harvard Law School
Arguing No: Michael W. McConnell, Former Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit; Law Professor and Director of the Constitutional Law Center at Stanford Law School
Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates
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PODCAST BONUS RELEASE: Is it Time to End Daylight Savings Time?
Are you ready to change the clock on Sunday? Is springing forward or falling back still an idea worth practicing? Those ready to end Daylight Savings argue it is inconvenient and has negative health and productivity effects. Those who want to keep Daylight Savings argue the time change’s effects are temporary and helps improve our quality of life. Now we debate: Is It Time to End Daylight Savings Time?
Arguing Yes: Joan Costa-i-Font, Health Economist at the London School of Economics
Arguing No: Binyamin Appelbaum, Member of the New York Times Editorial Board
Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates
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Was Trump Right to Increase Tariffs on Chinese Imports?
President Trump recently enacted a ten percent additional tariff on Chinese imports, and China has enacted retaliatory tariffs in response. Those affirming the tariffs are necessary argue they will encourage citizens to buy more domestically produced products. Those against the tariffs argue they will also create a trade war, harming both economies and global supply chains. Now we debate: Was Trump Right to Increase Tariffs on Chinese Imports?
Arguing Yes:
Scott Paul, President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing
Stephen Moore, Economist, Author, and Senior Fellow at the Heritage Foundation; Co-founder of Unleash Prosperity
Arguing No:
Jennifer Hillman, Senior Fellow for Trade and International Political Economy at the Council on Foreign Relations
Rana Mitter, ST Lee Chair in US-Asia Relations at the Harvard Kennedy School
Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates
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Can Religion Cure the Loneliness Epidemic?
America is suffering from a loneliness epidemic. Some groups have suggested religious communities may be key to solving it. Could it help? Those arguing “yes” say it gives people regular social contact, support systems, and a sense of purpose that could combat isolation. Those arguing “no” say that secular options would provide better, broad-based solutions. Now we debate: Can Religion Cure the Loneliness Epidemic?
Arguing Yes:
Harold Koenig, Director of Duke University’s Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health
Chris Murphy, Senator from Connecticut
Arguing No:
Ruth Whippman, Author of "America the Anxious: How Our Pursuit of Happiness Is Creating a Nation of Nervous Wrecks" and "BOYMOM: Reimagining Boyhood in the Age of Impossible Masculinity."
Dan Barker, Co-President of the Freedom from Religion Foundation
Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates
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Is It Time to Break Up with Dating Apps?
How’s your love life? With platforms like Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, and OkCupid offering endless opportunities to connect, many people searching for The One think signing up for a dating app should be a go-to for finding their match. However, new research is showing some users are signing off, including ninety percent of Gen Z users.
Those staying on the apps point to their ease of use, accessibility, and the countless success stories of happily coupled friends who met that way.
Others say dating apps aren’t offering authentic connections. A paradox of choice has also developed, with a belief there’s always someone else who you can connect with, which has made people less satisfied with their options.
Before we continue to swipe right, we debate the question: Is It Time to Break Up with Dating Apps?
Arguing Yes: Maria Avgitidis, Matchmaker and CEO at Agape Match
Arguing No: Melissa Hobley, Global Chief Marketing Officer of Tinder
Nayeema Raza, Journalist and Host of "Smart Girl Dumb Questions", is the guest moderator.
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America is more divided than ever—but it doesn’t have to be. Open to Debate offers an antidote to the chaos. We bring multiple perspectives together for real, nonpartisan debates. Debates that are structured, respectful, clever, provocative, and driven by the facts. Open to Debate is on a mission to restore balance to the public square through expert moderation, good-faith arguments, and reasoned analysis. We examine the issues of the day with the world’s most influential thinkers spanning science, technology, politics, culture, and global affairs. It’s time to build a stronger, more united democracy with the civil exchange of ideas. Be open-minded. Be curious. Be ready to listen. Join us in being Open to Debate. (Formerly Intelligence Squared U.S.)
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