Decisive Vote Against Cutting Entitlements for Seniors at Intelligence Squared U.S. Debates

NEW YORK – October 5, 2011 – Last night at the Intelligence Squared U.S. debate hosted by NYU’s Skirball Center, the audience voted decisively against the resolution that “Grandma’s Benefits Imperil Junior’s Future.” At the debate’s conclusion, 56% of the audience sided with Howard Dean and Jeff Madrick in disagreement with the resolution (see full numbers below). Dean and Madrick argued that problems entitlements were the result of inefficiencies in Washington, but they were, at their core, a necessary institutions that we must uphold.

The resolution was supported by Margaret Hoover and Mort Zuckerman, who argued that Grandma’s Benefits were not sustainable, and that the system of entitlements was placing an enormous burden on the young.

This latest intellectual matchup was IQ2US’s 53rd debate and was presented in partnership with Slate.

ABC News Nightline’s John Donvan is the moderator, and the executive producer is Dana Wolfe.

Debate to be broadcast on NPR stations nationwide and to be telecast on WNET/Thirteen on 10/15

For The Motion:

Margaret Hoover, Fox News commentator, author, American Individualism, and great-granddaughter of former U.S. President Herbert Hoover and Mort Zuckerman, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of U.S. News & World Report

Against the Motion:

Howard Dean, Former DNC Chairman and Governor of Vermont and
Jeff Madrick, Leading Economic Analyst and Editor of Challenge Magazine

Key Excerpts Against the Motion:

HOWARD DEAN

“The truth is that we do not have a Medicare and Social Security problem in terms of what is costing us. What we have is bad management, politicians who won't talk to each other and work with each other, lousy tax policy, selfishness as a public policy, and growing inequality in America.” 19:20:08

JEFF MADRICK

“Social Security and Medicare are not outrageously generous programs. The average Social Security payment is $14,000. Poverty for two -- a poverty line for two is $13,000. Medicare -- a typical employer-sponsored health plan will cover 88 percent of health needs. Medicare, according to independent actuarial studies, will cover 76 percent of Medicare. Big deductibles, big co-payments, not a gift. The elderly are not living wonderful lives because of Social Security and Medicare.” 19:03:10

Key Excerpts for the Motion:

MARGARET HOOVER

“By the time the first millennials reach their 40s in 2021, the cost of Medicare alone will be greater than our country's total defense spending.  Put all together with baby boomers hitting retirement, grandmas living longer, medical costs spiraling upwards, Social Security, Medicare expenses will consume about 12 percent of the nation's economic output in 2035, triple what it was in 1971.” 19:14:14

MORT ZUCKERMAN

“Now, this is a nation founded on opportunity, not entitlement, on thrift, not conspicuous consumption, on stewardship and not living for today, but taking steps to make sure that we are creating a better tomorrow, such that future generations would have as much or more opportunity and a better standard of living. To keep these entitlements under fiscal control is about keeping the American dream alive.” 19:01:07

Before the debate, the IQ2US audience voted with the following:

• 40% of audience agreeing with the resolution

• 24% of audience against the resolution

• 36% undecided

After careful consideration of the points by the audience, Howard Dean and Jeff Madrick won the debate: the team that moves the most votes at the end of the evening is determined the winner.

• 38% of audience agreeing with the resolution (-2%)

• 56% of audience against the resolution (+32%)

• 6% undecided (-30%)

To learn more about the debate and review a detailed breakdown of how the audience voted pre- and postdebate, please visit our Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/Think2Twice

The showdown at NYU’s Skirball Center in New York City (566 LaGuardia Place) puts the leading public intellectuals in the limelight in front of a live audience for nearly two hours of heated debate.

NOTES TO EDITORS

• To view transcripts and videos, download audio or video clips or learn more about Intelligence Squared US, please visit:

http://intelligencesquaredus.org/index.php/past-debates/grandmas-benefits-imperil-juniors-future/

• NPR will air the debate on stations nationwide and the podcast will be available to download. Please check with your local NPR stations for additional details or visit: http://www.npr.org/series/6263392/intelligence-squared-u-s

• WNET/Thirteen will air this debate Saturday October 15 at 4PM

ABOUT INTELLIGENCE SQUARED DEBATES (IQ2US)

Rethink your point of view with Intelligence Squared U.S. (IQ2US), Oxford-style debates live from New York City.

Based on the highly successful debate program based in London, the Intelligence Squared Foundation has presented over 50 debates on a wide range of provocative and timely topics. From global warming and the financial crisis, to Afghanistan/Pakistan and the death of mainstream media, Intelligence Squared brings together the world’s leading authorities on the day’s most important issues.

Since its inception in 2006, the goals have been to provide a new forum for intelligent discussion, grounded in facts and informed by reasoned analysis; to transcend the toxically emotional and the reflexively ideological; and to encourage recognition that the opposing side has intellectually respectable views.

The Rosenkranz Foundation initiated the Intelligence Squared U.S. Debate Series and continues to provide major support.

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