Open to Debate

John Donovan is a saint.

This was one of my favorite podcasts. But it has slipped significantly since abandoning the old format. I miss the live audience and the pre / post debate votes. That format was lively. The screen is yours just doesn't do it for me.

I listen to a lot of podcasts on politics, technology, finance and science. The formats are almost always interviews with experts. I learn a lot but have always wished to hear experts with differing views debate so that I could understand how each defends and elaborates their position when challenged by another expert. This podcast does that! I appreciate the structured format and the role of the host in shaping which topics the guests are to address.

The debate immediately deteriorated into a brawl with each person talking past the other. It should have been more focused. As an example, it could have have focused on two elements: 1/ Does this conflict require a proportional response?; and 2/ if a proportional response is warranted, what specific tactics should Israel employ, and how long should it wait for the return of the hostages before it adopts a more aggressive approach.