Why we are doing this

DOGE and the National Debt

To DOGE - or not to DOGE? (Or maybe, how to DOGE?) After a hiatus, Merrill and Arun are back! They start off catching up on what they read over the holidays and their impressions on the first couple of months of the new administration — before diving deeply into all things DOGE, the deficit and the national debt. They discuss and debate: * How important is the national debt? * How has DOGE done so far? * What would it take to actually bring down the national debt? * Is it politically possible? Note: This conversation was recorded on March 1st.

Our Reflections on the 2024 Presidential Election Results

Merrill and Arun reflect on the 2024 Presidential Election results and what it will mean for the country. They discuss what the results say about the country, the factors that drove Trump’s victory, lessons Democrats should take, and what we should expect from a Trump administration.

The Immigration Crisis

Prior to the 2024 Presidential Election, Merrill and Arun sat down to have a conversation on an issue likely to be a key priority for the next administration: the immigration crisis. There are few issues that better reflect the brokenness of our public discourse than immigration. Despite the evolving demands of our economy, various crises along the border, and tens of millions continuing to exist in a perpetual state of legal limbo — Congress hasn’t passed major immigration reform since 1995. In this episode, Merrill and Arun frame the discussion across three key areas: * The migrant crisis and its impact on the asylum system * The path forward for undocumented immigrants currently living in the country * Reforms to the legal immigration system to ensure it remains competitive in the 21st century They also take a look at the unsuccessful legislative efforts of 2007 and 2013, reflect on what could have been, and consider what might still be. Spoiler Alert: they get to a consensus. Listen to find out how…

The 2024 Presidential Election

It’s the third episode — and we’re already breaking the format! With the election days away, Merrill and Arun share their thoughts on the 2024 Presidential race. * What’s at stake for the country this election? * Who are they supporting — and why? * What does the election reflect about America right now?

Why we are doing this

For over 10 years, Merrill - a conservative - and Arun - a liberal - have had hundreds of conversations on the most pressing issues facing the country. As our broader discourse veers hopelessly towards sensationalism, they’ve decided that the time feels right to begin sharing their conversations more broadly. In this initial episode, they share their vision for the podcast - and the small role they hope it plays in encouraging a more solution-driven discourse across the country They also answer: * Who are they? * Why did they want to launch this podcast now? * What shaped their political views? * What does it mean to be a conservative? A liberal? * Why is “It’s A Wonderful Life” the GOAT? Welcome, friends, to “Let’s try to Solve..”