Munk Debate With Bannon & Frum Ends in Draw
A recent Munk Debate on Friday, November 2nd, 2018 resulted in a draw, according to a statement correcting the final results originally stated at the end of the debate. The draw marks a first time occurrence for these debates.
The post blames the need for correction on a “technical error,” claiming that the “final results” given after the debate were actually the results of the poll asking the audience if they considered themselves likely to change their mind during the debate.” Many users in the post’s comments section theorized that the results may have been manipulated, and that Bannon was the clear winner. Others suggested that Frum was the obvious victor.
The topic of the hour-and-a-half debate was whether or not the future of politics is populist or liberal.
“Throughout the Western world, politics is undergoing a sea-change. Long-held notions of the role of government, trade and economic policy, foreign policy and immigration are being challenged by populist thinkers and movements. Does this surging populist agenda in Western nations signal a permanent shift in our politics? Or, is it passing phenomenon that will remain at the fringes of society and political power? Will our politics continue to be shaped by the post-war consensus on trade, inclusive national identity and globalization, or by the agenda of insurgent populist politics, parties and leaders?”
Unabridged Munk Debate Topic
On the “pro” side was Stephen Bannon, arguing that populism is the future of politics. Bannon is a nationalist populist, political strategist, former executive chairman and co-founder of Breitbart News, and former White House Chief Strategist for the Trump Administration during its first seven months. More recently, Bannon acted as an informal advisor to the 2018 Brazilian Bolsonaro campaign.
On the “con” side was David Frum, arguing that populism is not the future of politics. Frum is a senior editor at The Atlantic and MSNBC contributor. He was once a speechwriter for former U.S. President George W. Bush and author of over nine books. For seven years he was a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.
The debate was delayed by protesters outside the event, twelve of whom were arrested. Two police officers were injured, according to the Toronto Star.
The entire debate can be watched on the Munk Debate website.
