Economics

FEATURED DEBATE

Should Congress Abolish the Debt Ceiling?

The US has more than $31 trillion in national debt. The debt ceiling — or the most the government can borrow from banks, investors, and foreign countries — has been raised more than 70 times. If the debt ceiling is breached, the federal government will be unable to pay its bills or interests on past debts; cover Social Security checks, payroll for veterans and federal employees; and Medicare reimbursements — leading to default. If that happens, a financial crisis may occur with global implications. Supporters in favor of abolishing the debt ceiling say it is counterproductive, leads to political drama,…

0 seconds of 49 minutes, 27 secondsVolume 90%
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June 2, 2023
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FEATURED DEBATE

0 seconds of 49 minutes, 27 secondsVolume 90%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
49:27
49:27
 
June 2, 2023
LEARN MORE

Should Congress Abolish the Debt Ceiling?

The US has more than $31 trillion in national debt. The debt ceiling — or the most the government can borrow from banks, investors, and foreign countries — has been raised more than 70 times. If the debt ceiling is breached, the federal government will be unable to pay its bills or interests on past debts; cover Social Security checks, payroll for veterans and federal employees; and Medicare reimbursements — leading to default. If that happens, a financial crisis may occur with global implications. Supporters in favor of abolishing the debt ceiling say it is counterproductive, leads to political drama,…

Mark Zandi

ARGUING YES

Mark Zandi
Chief Economist of Moody's Analytics
Parker Sheppard

ARGUING NO

Parker Sheppard
Director for Center of Data Analysis at the Heritage Foundation
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Was Trump Right to Increase Tariffs on Chinese Imports?
Live Debate in D.C. President Trump recently enacted a ten percent additional tariff on Chinese imports, citing the need to curb the flow of fentanyl into the United States and to address the substantial trade…
February 28, 2025
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1:06:46
 

Has Legalizing Sports Gambling Become a Bad Bet?
In 2018, the Supreme Court struck down the federal ban on sports betting, allowing states to legalize and regulate it. Since then, sports gambling has exploded, with over thirty states embracing sports betting. Now, legal…
January 31, 2025
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Global Leaders Debate Money, Truth, and Power
In a world being reshaped by vital questions about Al, sustainability, and an uncertain global economy, now is the time for decisive action. As a Knowledge Partner with the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute, this…
December 6, 2024
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Does the Effective Altruism Movement Get Giving Right?
Effective altruism is a philosophical and social movement that encourages people to ask themselves how they can most benefit others and do good through an evidence-based approach to charity. Over the last decade, it has influenced billionaires…
Public Release Date
August 23, 2024
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Does Taylor Swift Deserve Her Billion Dollar Fortune?
Taylor Swift's billionaire status stands out among her financial peers from the business community who are often scrutinized for their extreme wealth. Swift became a self-made billionaire because of her unparalleled talent, relentless work ethic, and passionate…
Public Release Date
March 15, 2024
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Should We Address the Gender Wage Gap?
American women are, on average, paid 84 cents for every dollar men make, according to the Department of Labor. This wage gap has persisted despite near-record rates of women’s participation in the labor market, with…
March 8, 2024
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