The goal of our first “insta-debate,” was to debate a topic at the forefront of current events. For many Americans, unemployment is at the top of that list. In the face of a double-dip recession and an unprecedented long-term unemployment rate, President Obama unveiled the American Jobs Act before Congress. His plan? Lower the unemployment rate and stimulate the economy with $447 billion in employer tax breaks, jobless reintegration, state aid, and infrastructure projects, to be paid for with taxes on corporations and the wealthy. Will this plan bring a fast, effective boost to the job market, or will higher taxes punish job creators and sink us further into debt?
For the motion: Cecilia Rouse, Mark Zandi
Against the motion: Richard Epstein, Daniel Mitchell
Intelligence Squared U.S. bring together the world's leading authorities for an exciting battle of ideas, wit and persuasion in a series of provocative and timely debates. Think twice as opposing panels challenge your convictions on some of the most crucial issues our nation faces today. Best of all, your vote decides who carries the day.
John Donvan, correspondent for ABC News Nightline, moderates the IQ2US debate series. The debates are held live here at the Skirball Center, broadcast on NPR and Bloomberg Television and available for download through iTunes.
Visit Intelligence Squared U.S. for more information on these political debate events including photos, videos and transcripts.
Intelligence Squared U.S. Debate Packages are currently available in sets of five or ten tickets to the Fall 2011 - Spring 2012 series. Dates and tentative debate topics are:
Fall 2011
September 7 | It’s time to end the war on terror
September 20 | Men are finished
October 4 | Grandma’s benefits imperil Junior’s future
October 25 | First-ever 'Insta-debate'
November 15 | The world would be better off without religion
Spring 2012
January 10 | The U.N. should admit Palestine as a full member
February 7 | Obesity is the government’s business
March 13 | China does capitalism better than America
April 17 | The internet is making us more politically narrow minded
May 8 | Ban college football
*Please note - in remaining current and relevant, debate topics and motions are subject to change.
