Lost Debate

The Branch

The Lost Debate is a weekly podcast from The Branch that brings you news, ideas, and arguments from around the political spectrum. We engage in the good-faith discussions that too much of our society and media miss. It's hosted by Ravi Gupta, a former Obama staffer turned school principal. read less
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Episodes

Good and Bad Trends in Healthcare with Dr. Dhruv Khullar
5d ago
Good and Bad Trends in Healthcare with Dr. Dhruv Khullar
Ravi welcomes back Dr. Dhruv Khullar, a physician and assistant professor at Cornell and contributing writer at The New Yorker, to tackle recent trends in healthcare and longevity.  They start by discussing how hospital and private equity acquisitions of physician practices have influenced healthcare costs and the quality of care, including the results of a new study by The Economist that explores how and why healthcare costs in America have remained generally consistent since 2010. Finally, Ravi and Dhruv examine Dhruv’s recent piece in The New Yorker that looks at President Joe Biden’s age, what his age tells us about his fitness for office, and how public perception on this topic could influence the 2024 election. Leave us a voicemail with your thoughts on the show! 321-200-0570 Subscribe to our feed on Spotify: http://bitly.ws/zC9K Subscribe to our Substack: https://thelostdebate.substack.com/ Follow The Branch on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebranchmedia/ Follow The Branch on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebranchmedia Follow The Branch on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thebranchmedia The Branch website: http://thebranchmedia.org/ Lost Debate is also available on the following platforms:  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lost-debate/id1591300785 Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vTERJNTc1ODE3Mzk3Nw  iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-lost-debate-88330217/ Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/752ca262-2801-466d-9654-2024de72bd1f/the-lost-debate
TikTok Ban, Woke AI, Blue City Backtrack, Falling Standards
1w ago
TikTok Ban, Woke AI, Blue City Backtrack, Falling Standards
Will Congress ban TikTok? Ravi and guest co-host Stephen Kent explore the platform’s data practices, censorship, and why its China-based parent company, ByteDance, could pose national security risks. They then examine Google AI’s “Gemini,” and how recent critiques of the tool’s biased portrayals of historical figures exemplify the challenges tech companies face in curbing AI-driven bias and misinformation. A comprehensive new report from The Economist shows American high school standards are on the decline. They discuss its effects on kids across the country and what sensible schooling solutions could look like. Finally, have blue cities backtracked? Ravi and Stephen take a look at Super Tuesday’s outcomes and why they may signal a change in political trends. Timestamps: TikTok Ban - 1:07 Woke AI - 23:31 Blue City Backtrack - 32:54 Falling Standards - 48:33 Leave us a voicemail with your thoughts on the show! 321-200-0570 Subscribe to our feed on Spotify: http://bitly.ws/zC9K Subscribe to our Substack: https://thelostdebate.substack.com/ Follow The Branch on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebranchmedia/ Follow The Branch on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebranchmedia Follow The Branch on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thebranchmedia The Branch website: http://thebranchmedia.org/ Lost Debate is also available on the following platforms:  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lost-debate/id1591300785 Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vTERJNTc1ODE3Mzk3Nw  iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-lost-debate-88330217/ Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/752ca262-2801-466d-9654-2024de72bd1f/the-lost-debate
Debate: Should Democrats Support Education Savings Accounts?
01-03-2024
Debate: Should Democrats Support Education Savings Accounts?
School choice programs have expanded dramatically over the past several years, in part due to the creation of education savings accounts (ESA). The movement for ESAs has been spearheaded predominantly by Republicans and met with widespread skepticism from Democrats. But should Democrats support ESAs? Ravi joined Marcus Brandon, executive director of North Carolina Campaign for Achievement Now, Graig Meyer, a North Carolina state senator, and Bethany M. Little, the managing director at Education Counsel, to discuss this very issue in a recent debate hosted by the American Enterprise Institute. Listen to their conversation and then let us know where you stand on the issue by leaving a voicemail! 321-200-0570 Subscribe to our feed on Spotify: http://bitly.ws/zC9K Subscribe to our Substack: https://thelostdebate.substack.com/ Follow The Branch on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebranchmedia/ Follow The Branch on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebranchmedia Follow The Branch on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thebranchmedia The Branch website: http://thebranchmedia.org/ Lost Debate is also available on the following platforms:  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lost-debate/id1591300785 Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vTERJNTc1ODE3Mzk3Nw  iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-lost-debate-88330217/ Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/752ca262-2801-466d-9654-2024de72bd1f/the-lost-debate
Biden v. Trump on Immigration, Ceasefire in Gaza, Michigan's Uncommitted Voters
27-02-2024
Biden v. Trump on Immigration, Ceasefire in Gaza, Michigan's Uncommitted Voters
A recent Gallup poll shows that immigration is now the most important issue for Americans. New York Times White House correspondent Michael Shear joins Ravi to explore the poll’s implications, including what it means for 2024 and how Biden has adjusted his policies in response to the ongoing migrant crisis. They also delve into the prospect of a ceasefire in Gaza and today’s Michigan presidential primary, where grassroots groups are encouraging Democrats to vote "uncommitted" as a form of protest against the White House’s response to the continued conflict in the Middle East. Leave us a voicemail with your thoughts on the show! 321-200-0570 Subscribe to our feed on Spotify: http://bitly.ws/zC9K Subscribe to our Substack: https://thelostdebate.substack.com/ Follow The Branch on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebranchmedia/ Follow The Branch on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebranchmedia Follow The Branch on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thebranchmedia The Branch website: http://thebranchmedia.org/ Lost Debate is also available on the following platforms:  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lost-debate/id1591300785 Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vTERJNTc1ODE3Mzk3Nw  iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-lost-debate-88330217/ Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/752ca262-2801-466d-9654-2024de72bd1f/the-lost-debate
Trump Is Right for Once
22-02-2024
Trump Is Right for Once
A New York judge ruled last week that Donald Trump must pay over $350 million in penalties for business fraud and banned him from running companies in the state for three years. Ravi explains where the case went wrong, from New York Attorney General Tish James’s motives in bringing the case to issues with the judgment itself. Is the end of the Hunter Biden scandal near? Ravi takes a closer look at the recent arrest of the FBI informant who sparked the Biden impeachment probe and the related bribery allegations against the President’s son. The now-ex-informant faces accusations of lying to the FBI and having ties to Russia. In education news, Yale has reversed its decision to make standardized tests optional for college admissions. Will more colleges follow suit? Ravi then turns to high school admissions and unpacks the Supreme Court’s recent decision to reject an affirmative action case regarding a renowned Northern Virginia magnet school, effectively allowing the school’s current admissions policy to stand. Leave us a voicemail with your thoughts on the show! 321-200-0570 Subscribe to our feed on Spotify: http://bitly.ws/zC9K Subscribe to our Substack: https://thelostdebate.substack.com/ Follow The Branch on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebranchmedia/ Follow The Branch on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebranchmedia Follow The Branch on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thebranchmedia The Branch website: http://thebranchmedia.org/ Lost Debate is also available on the following platforms:  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lost-debate/id1591300785 Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vTERJNTc1ODE3Mzk3Nw  iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-lost-debate-88330217/ Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/752ca262-2801-466d-9654-2024de72bd1f/the-lost-debate
Trump Immunity, Border Bill, Economic Surge, Zuck on the Hill
06-02-2024
Trump Immunity, Border Bill, Economic Surge, Zuck on the Hill
A federal appeals court ruled that Trump does not have presidential immunity in the January 6 case. This ruling sets the stage for a spring court date. Isaac Saul from Tangle joins Ravi to discuss what happens next, and if the Supreme Court will take up the case. On Sunday, Senate negotiators released the text of their $118 billion bill aimed at improving security on the U.S.-Mexico border while providing funding for Ukraine and Israel. Ravi and Isaac dissect what’s in the bill, the winners and losers, and how politics may tank this latest effort. In the fourth quarter of 2023, the U.S. economy grew more rapidly than expected while inflation slowed. Will this positive economic news impact Biden's chances at reelection? Finally, Congress recently grilled the heads of Meta, TikTok, Snap, Discord, and X in a heated Judiciary Committee hearing over the threats of social media and child exploitation. Was it all a stunt or will there be real change that comes out of this latest hearing? Timestamps: Trump Immunity - 00:01 Border Bill - 13:25 Economic Surge - 28:24 Zuck on the Hill - 40:15 Leave us a voicemail with your thoughts on the show! 321-200-0570 Subscribe to our feed on Spotify: http://bitly.ws/zC9K Subscribe to our Substack: https://thelostdebate.substack.com/ Follow The Branch on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebranchmedia/ Follow The Branch on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebranchmedia Follow The Branch on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thebranchmedia The Branch website: http://thebranchmedia.org/ Lost Debate is also available on the following platforms:  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lost-debate/id1591300785 Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vTERJNTc1ODE3Mzk3Nw  iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-lost-debate-88330217/ Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/752ca262-2801-466d-9654-2024de72bd1f/the-lost-debate
Bombshell Supreme Court Case, Trump v. Haley, Houthis Crisis
24-01-2024
Bombshell Supreme Court Case, Trump v. Haley, Houthis Crisis
Who are the Houthis, and why did the US hit back after their multiple attacks on ships in the Red Sea? Ravi and guest host Isaac Saul discuss the Yemen-based group, how the Israel/Hamas war may have influenced the attacks, and whether it will drag the US into a bigger fight in the region. Last week, the Supreme Court heard arguments in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo and Relentless, Inc. v. Department of Commerce. Both cases challenge the so-called Chevron deference, a precedent that allows federal agencies to interpret ambiguous laws. The hosts explore how the cases could shake up federal government power. Donald Trump and Nikki Haley will face off in tonight’s New Hampshire primary. Ravi and Isaac review Haley's chances and predict how the rest of the primary season will shake out. Timestamps: Houthis Crisis - 1:15 Trump v. Haley - 18:21 Bombshell Supreme Court Case - 48:22 Leave us a voicemail with your thoughts on the show! 321-200-0570 Subscribe to our feed on Spotify: http://bitly.ws/zC9K Subscribe to our Substack: https://thelostdebate.substack.com/ Follow The Branch on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebranchmedia/ Follow The Branch on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebranchmedia Follow The Branch on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thebranchmedia The Branch website: http://thebranchmedia.org/ Lost Debate is also available on the following platforms:  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lost-debate/id1591300785 Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vTERJNTc1ODE3Mzk3Nw  iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-lost-debate-88330217/ Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/752ca262-2801-466d-9654-2024de72bd1f/the-lost-debate
Trump Ballot Removal, Jan 6 Revisionism, Post-War Gaza Plans
09-01-2024
Trump Ballot Removal, Jan 6 Revisionism, Post-War Gaza Plans
Should Trump be allowed to stay on the ballot? As the Supreme Court prepares to hear arguments on the former president’s eligibility due to his role in the January 6 insurrection, Ravi and guest co-host Isaac Saul discuss the legal and constitutional merits of the pending decision. The American public also has January 6 on its mind, with a new poll showing that a quarter of Americans believe the FBI instigated the attacks on the capitol. Ravi and Isaac discuss how public perception has changed over the past three years and how the politics of it all could shape the 2024 election. Finally, the Israeli government has signaled that it will shift to a new phase in its war against Hamas, but they can’t agree about what a post-war Gaza could look like. The hosts break down the competing visions and ask whether anyone really has any plans for what many have come to call plans "the day after." Timestamps: Trump Ballot Removal - 0:28 Jan 6 Revisionism - 29:51 Post-War Gaza Plans - 39:19 Leave us a voicemail with your thoughts on the show! 321-200-0570 Subscribe to our feed on Spotify: http://bitly.ws/zC9K Subscribe to our Substack: https://thelostdebate.substack.com/ Follow The Branch on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebranchmedia/ Follow The Branch on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebranchmedia Follow The Branch on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thebranchmedia The Branch website: http://thebranchmedia.org/ Lost Debate is also available on the following platforms:  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lost-debate/id1591300785 Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vTERJNTc1ODE3Mzk3Nw  iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-lost-debate-88330217/ Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/752ca262-2801-466d-9654-2024de72bd1f/the-lost-debate
Epstein List, AI Scandals, Pandemic Lessons
04-01-2024
Epstein List, AI Scandals, Pandemic Lessons
Dozens of previously sealed court documents related to Jeffrey Epstein have become public. Ravi and guest co-host Bethany McLean discuss what we know so far about the new revelations. What really happened with Sam Altman being ousted and then returning to OpenAI? It remains unclear what made the board decide to act. Our hosts tackle the secrecy around this and other recent tech scandals. Lastly, we explore the lessons, misunderstandings, and errors from the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, from the failure of authorities to recognize the inefficacy and long-term problems caused by school closures to the data concerning masks, vaccines, and more. Time Stamps: 0:01 - Epstein List 4:42 - AI Scandals 22:34 - Pandemic Lessons Leave us a voicemail with your thoughts on the show! 321-200-0570 Subscribe to our feed on Spotify: http://bitly.ws/zC9K Subscribe to our Substack: https://thelostdebate.substack.com/ Follow The Branch on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebranchmedia/ Follow The Branch on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebranchmedia Follow The Branch on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thebranchmedia The Branch website: http://thebranchmedia.org/ Lost Debate is also available on the following platforms:  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lost-debate/id1591300785 Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vTERJNTc1ODE3Mzk3Nw  iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-lost-debate-88330217/ Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/752ca262-2801-466d-9654-2024de72bd1f/the-lost-debate