In June 2007, Gov. Gerald L. Baliles, Director of the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia, conceived a new initiative: the National Discussion and Debate Series. The goal of the Series is to elevate the level of understanding and civility about the major issues of our time, and to contribute to the national conversation with a vigorous, thoughtful, civil discussion that educates people and provokes dialogue.

We announced a partnership with MacNeil-Lehrer Productions, an award-winning leader in public affairs broadcasting since 1981, to produce the debates. “The Center’s commitment to serious discussion of the critical issues facing our citizens meshes well with the mission of MLP since its founding,” said MLP President Les Crystal. The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer airs highlights from each debate.

During this first season, we debated five issues of national importance—troop levels in Iraq, privacy in post-9/11 America, religion in the public square, universal healthcare, and immigration policy. We endeavored to present the most informed views on each side of these complex issues. The debaters were drawn from the ranks of practitioners, public intellectuals, business and religious leaders, and academics; no current candidates for public office were invited to debate. Skilled, nationally known moderators presided over each debate.

The first season’s debates were carried by nearly 60% of PBS member stations nationwide. The entire series is also being webcast live and permanently archived, along with the debate transcripts, at www.millercenter.org/debates. This site is the NDDS’ home for research and supporting materials, including a “white paper” written by a leading scholar on the debate topic, copies of primary source documents, links to articles, video and audio, and lesson plans for high school and college classes. The Miller Center has also created pages on YouTube, Facebook, and MySpace to encourage students and interested citizens to engage in a vibrant national dialogue on these critical issues.

In February 2009, we began our second season of debates. These debates examine America’s infrastructure priorities, the Iranian nuclear threat, the future of affirmative action, and the use of carbon-based energy. In the wake of the longest election campaign in our nation’s history, we hope to provide a forum to discuss these issues in a reasoned and respectful manner.

In short, we believe that informed, civil discussion can make a profound impact on the life of our nation. Our sincere hope is that these debates will increase understanding and facilitate a deeper level of engagement in public affairs. (read less)

In June 2007, Gov. Gerald L. Baliles, Director of the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia, conceived a new initiative: the National Discussion and Debate Series. The goal of the Series is to elevate the level of understanding and civility about the major issues of our time, and to contribute to the national conversation with a vigorous, thoughtful, civil discussion that educates people and provokes dialogue.

We announced a partnership with MacNeil-Lehrer Productions,... (read more)