The Debate Dispatch | Substack

Spotlight

Triumph Over Fear in Utah

Debate participants' heads and hearts work together to deliver a debate success

Sep 26, 2025 • Jessie Mannisto

Building Something? Start with the Mission

A swampy summer debate at President Lincoln’s Cottage shows what we can build together

Sep 26, 2025 • Sam Rechek

Putting the “Local” in Local Debates

The New Hampshire Alliance packs the house by debating a local community issue.

Jul 24, 2025 • The Braver Angels Debate Team

Spotlight on Volunteer Video Editors

We're lucky to have you!

Jul 24, 2025 • The Braver Angels Debate Team

Deliberations

A Debate on Rebuttals

Our Director of Debates and an experienced Chair hash it out over a tweak to the Braver Angels Debate format.

Dec 4, 2025 • Sam Rechek

Why Debate the "Undebatable"?

Diving head first into the conversation "out there"

Nov 5, 2025 • Natalie Laroche

On Choosing to Build Bridges

Courageous connection in a time of violence

Sep 24, 2025 • Natalie Laroche

Debate in a Time of Violence

Don't fall into the abyss. Carry the torch.

Sep 11, 2025 • Jessie Mannisto

Why Debate, Part 1: On Experiencing Fear

Don't knock it until you try it.

Aug 28, 2025 • Jessie Mannisto

Debate Recaps

Debate Recap: Higher Education

Highlights from a debate on the value of a college education

Dec 4, 2025 • Natalie Laroche

Debate Recap: AI and Emotional Connection

Highlights from a debate that covered new ground for many participants

Nov 6, 2025 • Jessie Mannisto

Debate Recap: Israel and Palestine

Debaters disagreed powerfully but gracefully on the conflict in Gaza

Nov 6, 2025 • Sam Rechek

My First Braver Angels Debate

Our Intern Genevieve Raushenbush shares her impressions of the September 11 National Debate

Sep 25, 2025 • The Braver Angels Debate Team

Debate Recap: Nuclear Power and Climate Change

The story of our August National Debate

Sep 25, 2025 • Sam Rechek

Dear Madam Chair

Must Debate Chairs Be Neutral?

Madam Chair explains how to maintain neutrality while wielding the gavel.

Dec 4, 2025 • The Braver Angels Debate Team

I Just Had My First Debate...Now What?

Wondering how to build on a successful debate? Madam Chair answers.

Aug 28, 2025 • The Braver Angels Debate Team

Am I Really Supposed to Take This Seriously?

Madam Chair defends our radical notion that no one is not worth talking to.

Jul 24, 2025 • The Braver Angels Debate Team

Put Your Toe Over the Line

You will not break your mother's back if you step on this crack.

Jul 20, 2025 • The Braver Angels Debate Team

The Moon is Made of Cheese, You Say?

What should the Chair do when someone says something factually wrong in a Braver Angels Debate?

Jul 20, 2025 • The Braver Angels Debate Team

Resolution of the Week

What Makes an "Intra-Party" Debate Resolution?

We explain a new kind of resolution designed to help you maximize split.

Dec 4, 2025 • The Braver Angels Debate Team

September Resolutions: Trust the Science + AI Emotionality

Abstract philosophizing or concrete policy discussion—which do you want?

Aug 28, 2025 • The Braver Angels Debate Team

Debating ChatGPT and the Universities

Our intern reflects on a resolution that led to a conversation beyond her expected scope.

Jul 23, 2025 • The Braver Angels Debate Team

The Power of a Qualifier

Add or subtract a few words to zoom the focus of your debate in or out.

Mar 13, 2025 • The Braver Angels Debate Team

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