The Munk Debates Podcast

This special episode features the full Munk Debate on Trump's America, held before a live audience of 3,000 at Toronto's Roy Thomson Hall in May 2025.

The debate resolution was: Be it Resolved, this is America's golden age

Arguing in favour of the motion was the political consultant, pollster and senior counselor to President Trump during his first term in office, Kellyanne Conway. Her debate partner was the President of the right-wing think tank the Heritage Foundation, and the architect of Project 2025, Kevin Roberts. Arguing against the motion was the New York Times columnist, podcaster, bestselling author, and one of America’s most influential commentators, Ezra Klein. His debate partner was Ben Rhodes, who served as President Obama’s senior advisor and is the co-host of the popular current affairs podcast Pod Save the World.
Become a Munk Donor ($50 annually) to get 72-hour advanced access to the full length editions of Friday Focus and Munk Dialogues. Go to www.munkdebates.com to sign up.
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Rudyard and Andrew unpack President Trump's speech last night, in which he cast doubt on the integrity of U.S. elections and alleged foreign interference ahead of the midterms. Will this strategy backfire by depressing Republican turnout? And how far might Trump go in attempting to shape the outcome in November?

In the second half of the show (for paid subscribers), Rudyard and Andrew are joined by special guest Sean Speer to reflect on the state of conservatism in Canada. Andrew argues that too many Conservatives have substituted outrage and attitude for serious policy ideas—a symptom of a movement that has lost confidence in its purpose. He also delivers a blunt message to those who have grown pessimistic about the Conservative cause. What kind of leader does the party need to restore energy, direction, and confidence to its base?
Become a Munk Donor ($50 annually) to get 72-hour advanced access to the full length editions of Friday Focus and Munk Dialogues. Go to www.munkdebates.com to sign up.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This special episode features the full Munk Debate on Capitalism, held before a live audience of 3,000 at Toronto's Roy Thomson Hall in November 2019.

The debate resolution was: Be it Resolved the capitalist system is broken, it's time to try something different

Arguing in favour of the resolution was Katrina vanden Heuvel, publisher of The Nation and a Washington Post columnist. Her debate partner was the economist, academic, author, and former finance minister of Greece Yanis Varoufakis. Arguing against the resolution was Arthur Brooks, Harvard professor and bestselling author of The Conservative Heart: How to Build a Fairer, Happier, and More Prosperous America. He was joined by former New York Times columnist, political commentator, and bestselling author, David Brooks.
Become a Munk Donor ($50 annually) to get 72-hour advanced access to the full length editions of Friday Focus and Munk Dialogues. Go to www.munkdebates.com to sign up.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What should we make of this week's NATO summit in Ankara? If it doesn't end with the U.S. withdrawing from NATO, should it be considered a success?

Meanwhile, the U.S. and Iran resumed strikes just weeks after signing a memorandum of understanding. Andrew argues that Trump was warned about the risks of cutting a deal with Iran. The ceasefire is unraveling because there was never a real agreement—it merely bought a few weeks of respite. Iran now holds the upper hand, and there is no easy way out of this dilemma.

In the second half of the show, Rudyard and Andrew turn to Canadian politics, specifically Alberta's announcement of a new pipeline and Meta's investment in a major data centre in the province. Why is Alberta capitalizing on this moment while Central Canada is falling behind? As Ontario and Quebec face a manufacturing exodus to the United States, what extraordinary measures are needed to make Canada a more attractive destination for investment? And does Ottawa have a serious plan to address the challenges facing the country's manufacturing sector?

Become a Munk Donor ($50 annually) to get 72-hour advanced access to the full length editions of Friday Focus and Munk Dialogues. Go to www.munkdebates.com to sign up.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This special episode features the full Munk Debate on the Two-State Solution, held before a live audience of 3,000 at Toronto's Meridian Hall in December 2025.

The debate resolution was: Be it resolved, it is in Israel’s interest to support a two-state solution

Arguing in favour of the resolution was former Israeli prime minister, finance minister, and mayor of Jerusalem, Ehud Olmert. His debate partner was Tzipi Livni, who served as Israel's justice and foreign minister and the country's chief peace negotiator in 2008 and 2014. Arguing against the resolution was the celebrated historian, former Israeli ambassador to the United States and deputy minister in the Prime Minister's Office, Michael Oren. His debate partner was Ayelet Shaked, who most recently served as Israel's justice minister and minister of the interior.

Become a Munk Donor ($50 annually) to get 72-hour advanced access to the full length editions of Friday Focus and Munk Dialogues. Go to www.munkdebates.com to sign up.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.