The Proving Ground: Recent Episodes

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Should the 2020 Census include a question about citizenship? Richie explores the best and worst arguments on each side, helping you better argue for what you believe in.

Worst Argument in Favor:

Kellyanne Conway: Not as invasive as asking about toilets (Red herring)

Worst Argument Against:

Nancy Pelosi: Make America “White” Again (Ad hominem, Bad faith)

Best Argument in Favor:

Josh Hammer: Required by the 14th Amendment (Avoid potential landmines)

Best Argument Against:

Carolyn Maloney: Question would reduce accuracy (Damaging to our goal)

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Richie delivers a special episode this week, listing the best and worst arguments from nights one and two of the first Democratic presidential debate. Who do you have your eye on so far?

Worst Argument on Night #1:

Bill de Blasio: I have a black son (exaggerated expertise)

Best Argument on Night #1:

Tulsi Gabbard: LGBT record (show more recent evidence), conservative upbringing (sympathetic, relatable)

Worst Argument on Night #2:

Michael Bennett: I'll do what Bernie does (set yourself apart)

Best Argument on Night #2:

Pete Buttigieg: I couldn't get it done (humility, sincerity)

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Should the United States spread democracy abroad? Is it any of our business? Jacob and Richie dive into the best and worst arguments on either side.

Show Notes:

Worst Pro-Spreading Arguments

Jacob: It worked in Germany and Japan (Availability bias)

Richie: Freedom is the cry of every human heart (False premise)

Worst Anti-Spreading Arguments:

Jacob: Military Industrial Complex, warmongerers (Ad hominem)

Richie: What happens abroad doesn't affect us (Begs the question)

Best Pro-Spreading Arguments:

Jacob: There has never been war between two democracies

Richie: America is better off in a freer world

Best Anti-Spreading Arguments:

Jacob: State's duty to its own people

Richie: Forced democracy is antithetical to freedom

This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/provingground/support

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Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and other tech giants are operating somewhere between the space of a platform and a publisher, censoring some viewpoints and favoring others. Should the government step in to protect speech, or should we let the free market run its course? Here are the best and worst arguments on each side.

Show Notes:

https://www.businessinsider.com/steven-crowder-youtube-channel-demonetized-2019-6

Worst Pro-Regulation Arguments:

Jacob: The First Amendment says I can say what I want (false premise)

Richie: Censorship violates freedom of speech and association (false premise)

Worst Anti-Regulation Arguments:

Jacob: Just don't say offensive things (begs the question, proves too much)

Richie: They're only censoring the most extreme (false premise, potential slippery slope in response)

Best Pro-Regulation Arguments:

Jacob: Those who have been censored can sue for defamation

Richie: Big tech has too much power and should be forced to choose whether it is a platform or a publisher

Best Anti-Regulation Arguments:

Jacob: You have no right to a platform

Richie: Private companies can do whatever they want as long as they don't breach contracts

This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

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Jacob and Richie dissect the best and worst arguments surrounding the infamous Electoral College. The president-elect has only lost the popular vote five times in 230 years, but two of those have been in the last 20 years. Keep it, abolish it, or reform it? You decide.

Show Notes:

https://ballotpedia.org/National_Popular_Vote_Interstate_Compact

https://history.house.gov/Institution/Electoral-College/Electoral-College/

Worst Pro-Electoral College Arguments:

Jacob: The Founders were wise men (appeal to authority)

Richie: The Constitution says so (appeal to tradition)

Worst Anti-Electoral College Arguments:

Jacob: The Founding Fathers were racists and the Electoral College is a racist system of oppression (ad hominem)

Richie: The Electoral College is undemocratic (false premise)

Best Pro-Electoral College Arguments:

Jacob: Provides a check on democracy

Richie: President of the UNITED States, 51 separate elections

Best Anti-Electoral College Arguments:

Jacob: Not representative -- small states have too much power

Richie: Not representative -- points not awarded by district

This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

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Jacob and Richie analyze the best and worst arguments on each side of the abortion debate. Who do you think is right?

Show Notes:

https://news.gallup.com/poll/235469/trimesters-key-abortion-views.aspx

Worst Pro-Choice Arguments:

Jacob: If you were really pro-life, you would support these other policies (false choice)

Richie: My body, my choice (false premise, red herring)

Worst Pro-Life Arguments:

Jacob: The Bible says . . . (appeal to authority)

Richie: The law isn't there to protect you from the consequences of your actions (false premise)

Best Pro-Choice Arguments:

Jacob: To protect the life of the mother, allow all first-trimester abortions

Richie: You don't really believe it's 100% a life

Best Pro-Life Arguments:

Jacob: Human life maintains the same value at all stages and deserves equal protection

Richie: Any line other than conception would allow killing after birth

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Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/provingground/support