OUR GUEST
Podcaster, YouTuber, and Author of “Shameless”
GUEST MODERATOR
Editor-at-Large of Reason
This week:
- New episode: Brian Tyler Cohen on how to fix America’s political dysfunction
- A closer look at common ground between Democrats and Republicans
- Your Sunday reading list
If the latest polling in the presidential race tells us anything, it’s that the polarization that has defined our politics for many years is as entrenched as ever. In a way, the divide plays exactly to what we do at Open to Debate: we explore the divide by going to both sides, and getting them to face each other and have it out. That said, we insist on what we call GOOD argument, where each side has to make its case in good faith, and actually hear the other side, an exercise we think can bring clarity, and even some measure of trust, to the dialogue.
In that spirit, this week’s episode of Open to Debate features only one voice: Brian Taylor Cohen, author of a new book, “Shameless,” and whose politics place him firmly at one of the poles in our polarized world. He’s built an enormous YouTube following by championing the views of the left. Rather than a debate, this episode will be a conversation exploring what he sees as the causes of polarization, and what can be done about it, and how he responds to suggestions that its not just the Right’s fault (though, to be fair, he contends that mostly it is). True to our Open to Debate mandate for both sides, down the road, we want to do the same thing by bringing on an influential voice from the right to provide their perspective.
For this episode, the hosting duties are taken up by one of our favorite guest hosts, Nick Gillespie, whose open-ending podcast – The Reason Podcast with Nick Gillespie – always makes for satisfying, thought-provoking listening.
DEBATING THE DATA
Is there a way to bring people back together?
WEEKLY POINTS OF VIEW
She Was a Teenager When a Renegade Cop Framed Her. Will She Finally Get Justice?
Anya Bidwell and Patrick Jaicomo | August 13, 2024
Slate
Watch Anya’s debate on whether it is time to end qualified immunity for cops
The Economy Is Not Rapidly Deteriorating
Michael R. Strain | August 7, 2024
National Review
Watch Michael’s debate on whether the American Dream is in decline
Iran Counts on U.S. Weakness to Check Israeli Strength
Reuel Marc Gerecht and Ray Takeyh | August 2, 2024
The Wall Street Journal
Watch Ray’s debate on the Iran threat
Shadi Hamid | August 6, 2024
The Washington Post
Watch Shadi’s debate on whether religion is a force for good
Debate to Bridge the Divide
Open to Debate is a nonpartisan, nonprofit media organization that addresses a fundamental problem in America: the extreme polarization of our nation and our politics. Our mission is to restore critical thinking, facts, reason, and civility to American public discourse, and we hope you’ll join us. We believe that this work can only be done in partnership with a community of curious people who are stepping up to be part of the solution. Please consider a gift to support the development of new programs that provide a forum for debate and for addressing our divides.
