Join us for a live Oxford-style debate on Thursday, August 20th at 2:30 PM ET featuring two of the nation’s leading voices on economic policy as they examine one of the defining questions of our time.
Arguing YES will be entrepreneur and venture capitalist Nick Hanauer, who managed, founded, or financed over thirty companies, selling one (Aquantive Inc) to Microsoft for $6.4 billion and another (Juno Therapeutics) to Celgene in 2019 for $9 billion, while at the same time advocating for raising taxes on the wealthy and a $15 minimum wage.
Arguing NO will be renowned economist Jason Furman, President Obama’s chief economist who served as Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers and played a major role in the Obama administration’s economic policies. John Donvan, the most experienced debate moderator in America, will moderate.
For decades, capitalism appeared to have won the argument, driving innovation, economic growth, and rising living standards. But for many Americans, that prosperity now feels increasingly out of reach. Dissatisfaction has reshaped American politics, fueling the rise of the Democratic Socialists of America and contributing to Gallup’s finding that only 54% of Americans view capitalism positively — the lowest level it has recorded.
Defenders argue capitalism remains the greatest engine of prosperity and innovation ever devised, and that government failures, restrictive housing and labor policies, and inadequate competition — not markets — are to blame for today’s challenges.
Critics counter that today’s capitalism increasingly rewards ownership over work, allows economic power to translate into political influence, and generates inequality severe enough to undermine social cohesion and democracy.
In this debate, a billionaire who has managed or founded over thirty companies who also advocates for addressing inequality faces a prominent Obama administration economist with a competing vision of the system to answer this question: Is Capitalism Broken?
From inflation and affordability to artificial intelligence, housing costs, labor markets, corporate consolidation, and economic opportunity, debates over capitalism are shaping policy decisions worldwide.
Has capitalism drifted away from its original promise? Or is it still the best engine for innovation and prosperity despite today’s challenges?
Thursday, August 20th | 2:30-3:30 PM ET
Audience Participation: Live viewing and Q&A; submit your questions in the chat for a chance to have them asked during the audience Q&A, time permitting.
Post-Debate Vote: Once the debate concludes, you’ll have 24 hours to vote on who you think made the stronger case. *Click to vote here.
On average, 32% of our audience changes their mind after hearing a debate. Will you?
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