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Should We Phase Out Social Security? episode artwork

Oct 2, 2026 1 hr 6 min

Should We Phase Out Social Security?

from Open to Debate Hosted by Open to Debate

Social Security has long been a cornerstone of American retirement, but as the trust fund grows closer to depletion by 2032, should the system be repaired or replaced with new standards? Those advocating for phasing it out argue its unsuitability for the modern economy and should only be available for those needing it most. Others argue it’s still a good anti-poverty tool and Congress should take action and make changes to its finances. Now we debate: Should We Phase Out Social Security? Arguing Yes: Romina Boccia, Director of Budget and Entitlement Policy at Cato Institute Arguing No: Teresa Ghilarducci, Professor of Economics and Policy Analysis and Director of the Wealth Equity Lab at The New School Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates Join the conversation on Substack—share your perspective on this episode and subscribe to our weekly newsletter for curated insights from our debaters, moderators, and staff. Follow us on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and TikTok to stay connected with our mission and ongoing debates.

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Should We Phase Out Social Security?

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This episode was published on October 2, 2026.

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