Open To Debate Podcast Live: Will Millennials Be Left Behind?

 The generational baton is being passed. And, like most generational transitions, it isn't exactly a smooth one. Baby Boomers seethe at the condescending "okay, Boomer," and Millennials bristle at the mess Baby Boomers have created by fostering political polarization and extremist policies.

Millennials have surpassed the Baby Boomers as the largest generation group in the U.S. Now, the oldest Millennials are reaching their forties and feel they don’t have the financial and emotional standing their parents did and have instead been left behind. Those who agree say Millennials are America’s most educated — but broke — generation and pay more for basic items, leading them unable to afford to buy a home or have children. Those who disagree say that not buying a house or having kids are their choices, not based on economic hardship; and really, they will soon be doing well financially because they strive for higher education and better jobs and they are close to reaching their peak earning years.

On Wednesday, June 7, the Open to Debate podcast (formerly known as Intelligence Squared U.S.) returns to the Village Underground stage to debate the following question: “Will Millennials Be Left Behind?” 

Arguing “YES” is New York-based journalist, lawyer, and CNN columnist Jill Filipovic, author of OK Boomer, Let’s Talk: How My Generation Got Left Behind. Arguing “NO” is Director of the Center on Opportunity and Social Mobility at the American Enterprise Institute Scott Winship, who researches social mobility, economic insecurity and inequality, poverty, and living standards.

The “Will Millennials Be Left Behind?” debate will be held on Wednesday, June 7 at 6:00 PM ET (5:30 PM doors) at The Comedy Cellar at The Village Underground (130 W 3rd St. btw 6th Avenue and MacDougal Street), then air soon after on the syndicated public radio show and podcast Open to Debate. Reason editor-at-large Nick Gillespie will serve as guest moderator. 

The Open to Debate podcast addresses a fundamental problem in America: the extreme polarization of our nation and our politics. It is the nation's only nonpartisan, debate-driven media organization dedicated to bringing multiple viewpoints together for a constructive, balanced, respectful exchange of ideas.

Open to Debate is a platform for intellectually curious and open-minded people to engage with others holding opposing views on complex issues. It's obvious that debate works to find common ground: On average, 32 percent of the Open to Debate audience changes their mind on contentious topics after hearing a debate. That’s the power of debate done right, and at scale, it can change the direction we’re headed in America. 

Now contrast that free expression of contrary views in a spirited yet intellectually robust forum against that of Fox News, where any viewpoint not consistent of those with the viewers is denigrated and the people expressing those views are castigated as enemies, groomers, socialists, and pedophiles.

Open to Debate is broadcast as a weekly public radio program, carried on NPR stations including WNYC (#1 in the nation). Open to Debate is made available as a podcast, video series, and digital platform, and records episodes with live audiences nationwide.

Visit opentodebate.org to become a member, access an archive of more than 220 debates, and attend live events.