The Proving Ground

The Census Question: The Best and Worst Arguments | The Proving Ground Ep. 6

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)

Democratic Debate | The Proving Ground Ep. 5

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)

Spreading Democracy | The Proving Ground Ep. 4

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

Social Media Regulation | The Proving Ground Ep. 3

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

The Electoral College | The Proving Ground Ep. 2

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://ballotpedia.org/National_Popular_Vote_Interstate_Compact] https://history.house.gov/Institution/Electoral-College/Electoral-College/ [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