Open to Debate Open to Debate

Donald Trump was found guilty of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, but legal scholars question whether it could be overturned in an appeal or due to a new Supreme Court ruling. Those arguing for New York say no individual, even a president, is above the law. Those arguing for the defendant say his actions were within the scope of his official duties. Now we debate: Mock Trial: Should Trump’s Conviction Stand?

For the Appellee: Erwin Chemerinsky, Dean of the UC Berkeley School of Law 
For the Appellant:  Randy Zelin, Trial Attorney; Adjunct Law Professor at Cornell Law School 
 
Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates 
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President Biden continues to dismiss concerns about seeking re-election. But after a disappointing debate performance, some Democratic leaders are increasingly concerned about whether he’s still fit to lead. Those in support of Biden argue his withdrawal would fragment Democrats and they don’t want to risk losing undecided voters to Trump. Those calling for him to step aside argue that a new candidate could re-energize the Democratic base and improve election chances. Now, we debate: Should Biden Step Aside?  
Arguing Yes: Michelle Goldberg, Opinion Columnist at The New York Times  
Arguing No: Dmitri Mehlhorn, Co-Founder of Investing In US 
Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates 

Please note: This discussion was recorded on July 11th before the assassination attempt on former President Trump. 
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From AI to the political climate during an election year, our modern world is constantly changing and facing more polarization than before. How can we combat it and adapt to a changing America? CNN host and bestselling author Fareed Zakaria says you have to be open-minded and embrace compromise. In this conversation with John Donvan, Zakaria discusses our current revolutionary times, how past revolutions can help us understand our present, and why despite everything, he’s still hopeful.

Our Guest: Fareed Zakaria, Host of CNN's Fareed Zakaria GPS; Author of "Age of Revolutions: Progress and Backlash from 1600 to the Present" 
 
Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates 
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What George Carlin jokes would be deemed offensive today? What makes us laugh has come under scrutiny. Old jokes or skits are often off-limits in today's context, leading to public apologies and cancellations. Some argue political correctness stifles comedic creativity, thus affecting their ability to tackle tough subjects. Those who disagree say comedy has always evolved with changing norms and it can still flourish within wokeness. This week we revisit one of our favorite debates from the past year: is Wokeness Killing Comedy?
  
Against this background, we debate the question: Is Wokeness Killing Comedy? 
 
This debate will take place in front of a live audience, on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at The Comedy Cellar’s Village Underground in New York City. Warning that this content is not made for kids. 
 
Arguing Yes: Lou Perez, Comedian, Producer, Author of  "That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore" 
Arguing No: Michael Ian Black, Actor and Comedian 
 
Nick Gillespie, Editor-at-Large of Reason, guest moderates 
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Marriage has long been considered a goal to aspire to and a conventional path to happiness. But over the last few decades, the traditional view of marriage as the cornerstone of adult life has been questioned. Changes in economic conditions, gender roles, and cultural values have fueled a reevaluation of whether marriage is still desirable or necessary for personal fulfillment and social stability. Those who believe it’s better to get married argue that married individuals report better physical and mental well-being, compared to single adults. They also experience economic and social benefits. Those who believe it’s better to be single say singledom helps promote independence, allows individuals to make decisions freely, makes it likely to create broader social networks and communities, and feel more fulfilled than they would if they felt pressured to be partnered. 
  
Whether you are in a relationship or not, we debate the following prompt: Married or Single? 

Arguing Married: Jonathan Rothwell, Principal Economist at Gallup  
Arguing Single: Bella DePaulo, Social Scientist and Author of "Singled Out" and "Single at Heart" 
 
Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates 
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Though they share similar values, guidelines, and principles, Islam and Judaism have a long, complicated relationship that has led to tension recorded within the Quran that might engender antisemitism. Those who agree argue that certain Quranic verses could be used to justify some people’s hostility towards Jews. Those who disagree say that references to Jews must be understood in their historical and textual contexts and there have been multiple periods of Muslim-Jewish tolerance. Now we debate: Is Islam Antisemitic? 

Arguing Yes: Tim Dieppe, Head of Policy at Christian Concern   
Arguing No: Reza Aslan, Iranian-American Religion Scholar; Bestselling Author of "Zealot"  
Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates 
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