No Labels and MoveOn Leaders On "Open To Debate" Podcast

 Listen/watch at opentodebate.org or on all podcast platforms (and find a complete transcript here)

Let me tell you what I love about this podcast, Open To Debate. It's simple. There are no debates about critical political, cultural, and socioeconomic issues anymore. Fox News is a safe space for conservative extremists to scream whatever nonsense comes out of their mouths, and progressives have multiple channels to "tsk,tsk" those intellectually lightweight conservatives. 

The idiotic debate between Govs. DiSantis and Newsom was marred by moronic Sean Hannity, who decided that rather than be the impartial moderator, he'd jump in and help DiSantis any chance he got.

So viewers were treated to debaters endlessly reciting partisan talking points, yelling at one another and attacking one another, rather than digging deep into issues that voters do -- and should -- care about.

Want to hear and see a real debate? Watch or listen to Open To Debate.

The nonpartisan debate series Open to Debate (formerly known as Intelligence Squared U.S.) has just released a new episode debating the question “How Would A No Labels Presidential Candidate Change the Outcome in 2024?"

No Labels chief strategist Ryan Clancy defends his organization, arguing that Americans have rarely been this pessimistic about the future of our country, this frustrated with the state of our politics, and this dissatisfied with the presidential nominees both parties seem likely to offer. A No Labels unity ticket, he argues, stands a real chance of actually winning—and, he says, if it picks up some electoral votes but doesn’t reach 270, No Labels could negotiate with one of the major party nominees to give them their votes.

MoveOn executive director Rahna Epting opposes him, arguing that No Labels does not have a path to win the presidency; their only path in 2024 is swaying the election to Trump. She also challenges Clancy directly on No Labels not disclosing their donors and pushes him on whether the organization is having discussions with any current Republican candidates.

Alongside Emmy-winning moderator John Donvan, questioners include best-selling author Nina Burleigh, Politico reporter Shia Kapos, and Washington Post opinion editor Alexi McCammond.

Hear the full debate here or on any podcast platform under the show name “Open to Debate.”

Open to Debate addresses a fundamental problem in America, the extreme polarization of our nation and our politics. "We are 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."

Plenty of evidence shows that debate works to find common ground. On average, 32% 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.

Open to Debate is broadcast as a weekly public radio program, carried on NPR stations, including WNYC. 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.

HERE ARE THE PARTICIPANT BIOS:

* Ryan Clancy: Chief Strategist of No Labels
Ryan Clancy is the chief strategist of No Labels, a centrist political advocacy group supporting centrism and bipartisanship, and a communications strategist and speechwriter for leaders in business, government, and philanthropy. Prior to his role at No Labels, he served as a speechwriter for Joe Biden during his vice presidency and Former Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke, developed corporate narratives and executive positioning plans for Fortune 500 companies, and advised political reform groups and candidates on their communications strategy. Bylines written under his name and his clients about subjects ranging from healthcare and criminal justice to energy and tax policy have appeared in Fast Company, USA Today, The New York Times, Politico, Chicago Tribune, and more. Clancy has also worked on various book projects such as No Labels’ “Policy Playbook for America’s Next President,” the New Center’s “Idea to Re-Center America,” and Elton John’s memoir “Love Is the Cure: On Life, Loss, and the End of AIDS.” He received his bachelor’s degree from Villanova University.

* Rahna Epting: Executive Director of MoveOn
Rahna Epting is the Executive Director of MoveOn, a public policy advocacy group that focuses on grassroots progressive organizing to help the US become a country where everyone can thrive. At MoveOn, she leads MoveOn Civic Action, which focuses on education and advocacy on national issues, and MoveOn Political Action, which works to elect candidates with an inclusive, progressive agenda. Prior to her role, she worked in various capacities, including Chief of Staff, at Every Voice, where she managed state and national campaigns. She also held positions at the Service Employees International Union, the Oregon Bus Project’s PolitiCorps program, and Wellstone Action. With a long history in youth organizing and helping young people get more involved in politics, she has served as the Chair of the Alliance for Youth Organizing (formerly the Bus Federation Civic Fund).