Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Capitalism has long been credited with driving innovation and prosperity, yet many Americans increasingly believe the system is no longer working for them. Is the problem capitalism itself or the policies surrounding it? In this debate, a billionaire and venture capitalist faces a prominent economist with a competing vision to examine inequality, economic opportunity, and the future of the American economy. Now we debate: Is Capitalism Broken?
Arguing Yes: Nick Hanauer, Entrepreneur and Venture Capitalist
Arguing No: Jason Furman, Former Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers; Professor at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government
Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates
After you’ve watched the debate, let us know where you stand on the motion!
VOTE HERE: bit.ly/youtubecapitalismvote
We will reveal the results of the vote in our Substack newsletter on Saturday, September 5th, so make sure to subscribe: opentodebate.substack.com
#opentodebate #debate #capitalism
===================================
Subscribe on Substack: opentodebate.substack.com
Official site: opentodebate.org
X: twitter.com/OpentoDebateOrg
Facebook: facebook.com/BeOpentoDebate
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/opentodebate
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Open to Debate Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/bdzmz5xt
Open to Debate Spotify Podcasts: tinyurl.com/22tuxu7h
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00:00:00 – Introduction: Is Capitalism Broken?
00:01:21 – Opening Statement: Nick Hanauer (Arguing "Yes")
00:05:30 – Opening Statement: Jason Furman (Arguing "No")
00:09:29 – Introduction of Debaters
00:13:19 – Moderator Summary
00:14:54 – Do Markets Serve Human Flourishing?
00:19:38 – Is Competition the Key to Making Capitalism Work?
00:24:29 – Should Companies Have Responsibilities Beyond Profit?
00:31:21 – Are Stock Buybacks Making Capitalism Worse?
00:34:02 – Is the Rise of Socialism a Response to Capitalism's Failures?
00:37:57 – What Would Actually Fix Capitalism?
00:46:59 – How Would You Boost Competition in America?
00:52:05 – Is the U.S. Economy Really Capitalist?
00:54:30 – Should CEO Salaries Be Capped?
00:58:22 – Closing Statement: Nick Hanauer
01:00:48 – Closing Statement: Jason Furman
01:03:10 – Audience Vote
01:03:39 – Final Thoughts
Capitalism has long been credited with driving innovation and prosperity, yet many Americans increasingly believe the system is no longer working for them. Is the problem capitalism itself or the policies surrounding it? In this debate, a billionaire and venture capitalist faces a prominent economist with a competing vision to examine inequality, economic opportunity, and the future of the American economy. Now we debate: Is Capitalism Broken?
Arguing Yes: Nick Hanauer, Entrepreneur and Venture Capitalist
Arguing No: Jason Furman, Former Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers; Professor at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government
Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates
After you’ve watched the debate, let us know where you stand on the motion!
VOTE HERE: bit.ly/youtubecapitalismvote
We will reveal the results of the vote in our Substack newsletter on Saturday, September 5th, so make sure to subscribe: opentodebate.substack.com
#opentodebate #debate #capitalism
===================================
Subscribe on Substack: opentodebate.substack.com
Official site: opentodebate.org
X: twitter.com/OpentoDebateOrg
Facebook: facebook.com/BeOpentoDebate
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/opentodebate
Instagram: instagram.com/opentodebateorg
TikTok: tiktok.com/@opentodebateorg
Open to Debate Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/bdzmz5xt
Open to Debate Spotify Podcasts: tinyurl.com/22tuxu7h
===================================
00:00:00 – Introduction: Is Capitalism Broken?
00:01:21 – Opening Statement: Nick Hanauer (Arguing "Yes")
00:05:30 – Opening Statement: Jason Furman (Arguing "No")
00:09:29 – Introduction of Debaters
00:13:19 – Moderator Summary
00:14:54 – Do Markets Serve Human Flourishing?
00:19:38 – Is Competition the Key to Making Capitalism Work?
00:24:29 – Should Companies Have Responsibilities Beyond Profit?
00:31:21 – Are Stock Buybacks Making Capitalism Worse?
00:34:02 – Is the Rise of Socialism a Response to Capitalism's Failures?
00:37:57 – What Would Actually Fix Capitalism?
00:46:59 – How Would You Boost Competition in America?
00:52:05 – Is the U.S. Economy Really Capitalist?
00:54:30 – Should CEO Salaries Be Capped?
00:58:22 – Closing Statement: Nick Hanauer
01:00:48 – Closing Statement: Jason Furman
01:03:10 – Audience Vote
01:03:39 – Final Thoughts
