AFF Roundtable Series
Sparks fly as the hottest up-and-coming conservative and libertarian thinkers trade blows in an evening of good argument and rhetorical whit. Roundtables are AFF's most popular events!
Roundtables are AFF's monthly open forums and debates, featuring emerging young writers, policy analysits, strategists, and campaigners. Nothing will prepare you to lead like persuading your peers. Roundtables offer these young leaders an opportunity to hone their ideas and sharpen their speaking skills. And at AFF Roundtables, young leaders meet other leaders. The room is full of the energy and talent of the brightest minds around town.
Roundtables feature young leaders and are run by young leaders. A committee of volunteers selects the topics and frames the debate, as well as recruits and prepares the speakers. This keeps roundtables lively, fresh, and aggressive. Roundtables often probe the boundaries and intersections of conservative and libertarian ideology and policy. Audio of the events is recorded and you can listen to past debates in our archive or subscribe to the podcast.
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AFF DC May Roundtable: “Why Don’t You Get a Real Job?"
We’ve all heard the dreaded question at some point in our liberty-advancing careers: Why don’t you get a real job? Usually it comes from a... (MORE)
Event Archive
Energy Policy, What Should Our Carbon Footprint Be?
AFF will held its monthly roundtable "Energy Policy, What Should Our Carbon Footprint Be?" on April 15th. All across the United States technology is lowering the carbon footprint of the energy consuming products we use every day, such as cars,... (MORE)
AFF Denver: How the West will Be Lost
On March 26 AFF held its first roundtable event in Denver. This roundtable, How the West will Be Lost, covered Democrats' strategy to turn the Mountain West blue, and what libertarians and conservatives can do about it. It's no mistake... (MORE)
The Economy in Crisis?
While national security issues may seem to dominate the national debate, the state of the economy might be the determining issue for this year's elections. The widespread view that we are in a recession led to an economic stimulus bill... (MORE)
Is Marriage Outdated?
AFF held its monthly roundtable on Tuesday, February 12th. In the spirit of Valentines Day, we considered the question of marriage. Is it outdated? Or, should we care about preserving the institution now more than ever? Joining us were James... (MORE)
The State of the Republican Brand
On Wednesday, January 16th in Chicago, America's Future Foundation hosted a roundtable on the "State of the Republican Brand." The panelists sought to answer many questions. With so much dissatisfaction within the conservative and libertarian base, what is the state... (MORE)
"Don't Be Evil": Privacy in the Age of Google
On Wednesday, January 16th in Washington, AFF hosted a roundtable on the future of privacy. In less than a decade, Google has grown from a Ph.D. research project to be the indispensable tool of the information economy. With the objective... (MORE)
2008 Presidential Candidate Forum
On Wednesday, December 12, AFF hosted a 2008 Presidential Candidate Forum. The 2008 presidential race began earlier than usual. After suffering devastating midterm losses, faced with a wartime PR problem, and spooked by the prospect of HillaryCare 2.0, a lot... (MORE)
Are Private Contractors Helping Our Troops?
On Monday, November 12th, AFF hosted a roundtable discussing private security contractors. Since private firms started taking a larger role in American efforts in Iraq, critics have dubbed them mercenaries and called for criminal investigations. Proponents of contractors argue that... (MORE)
Is atheism the new religious right?
On October 24, 2007, AFF hosted a roundtable on atheism. Though historically disorganized and decreasingly popular on the national political scene, fundamentalist Christianity has retained enough force to attract a powerful new salvo of criticism. Some charge that what Andrew... (MORE)
Conservatives and Healthcare
On Wednesday, Septemeber 19th, 2007, AFF presented a roundtable discussion on healthcare. Conservatives tend to get tongue-tied when discussing health care policy. Other than opposition to "HillaryCare," there isn't much agreement on a conservative response to America's health care problems.... (MORE)
Immigration Reform Postmortem
On Wednesday, July 18th, 2007, AFF hosted a roundtable discussion on immigration reform. As the recent battle in the Senate showed, few issues are as divisive in contemporary politics as immigration. But what should classical liberals think of last month's... (MORE)
Thinkers vs. Doers
On Wednesday, June 20, 2007, AFF hosted a roundtable on thinkers vs. doers. Conservatives and libertarians share some core principles that guide their policy agendas, but once theorizing gives way to politics, compromise is the name of the game. We... (MORE)
Organ Markets: Ethical Dilemma Or Obvious Solution?
On Wednesday, May 9, 2007, AFF hosted a roundtable on the ethics of organ sales. Over 70,000 Americans are waiting for a kidney and the list is growing every day. The 1984 National Organ Transplantation Act made it illegal to... (MORE)
It's All About the Benjamins, Baby: The Great Inflation Debate
On Wednesday, April 11, AFF hosted the roundtable "It's All About the Benjamins, Baby: The Great Inflation Debate." Last November one of few positives Republican candidates could point to was a strong economy. But how strong is it? Is the... (MORE)
AFF Town Hall Meeting
On Tuesday, March 12, 2007, AFF had an open town hall meeting. The panelists for the event were our members and friends. We had an open conversation about AFF, the future of the conservative and libertarian movement, and where we’re... (MORE)
Religion and the left
On Thursday, February 22, 2007, AFF hosted a roundtable discussion on liberals and faith. Two years ago, Nancy Pelosi created a "Faith Working Group" for members of the Democratic House caucus to reach out to people of faith--primarily, conservative evangelicals... (MORE)
The Future of Fusionism
The attempt in the 1950s and 1960s to reconcile the philosophical divide between traditionalists and libertarians-dubbed "fusionism" by National Review's Frank Meyer-was politically successful, culminating in the election of Ronald Reagan in 1980. In recent years, however, that broad coalition... (MORE)
Russia: The New Enemy?
A prominent Russian journalist shot dead outside her home. A Russian dissident and writer poisoned in London. An American company building pipelines off Russia's Pacific coast threatened with fines and sanctions. The former CEO of oil and gas giant Yukos... (MORE)
Neoprohibition: Smoking and Transfat Bans
D.C. bans smoking, Chicago outlaws foie gras, and New York is thinking of forbidding transfats. Is this the return of prohibition? What ever happened to consumer freedom? That's what we discussed at a roundtable on Wednesday, December 13, 2006. Panelists... (MORE)
Iran: Clear Problem, Unclear Solution
On Wednesday, November 15th, America's Future Foundation hosted the roundtable discussion, "Iran: Clear Problem, Unclear Solution." Unlike previous world crises that have come as a curprise, the Iranian nuclear crisis is visible far in advance, which gives us the luxury... (MORE)
Election 2006: Do Republicans Deserve to Lose?
On Wednesday, October 11, America's Future Foundation hosted the roundtable "Election 2006: Should conservatives and libertarians support Republicans? Or do Republicans deserve to lose?" Washington is a buzz with election speculation. After several years of controlling both the legislature and... (MORE)
Latin America: Which Way Now?
On Tuesday, September 12, 2006, AFF hosted the roundtable "Latin America: Which Way Now?" It was only a few years ago that the rise of Hugo Chavez seemed to signal a new Latin wave of hard leftism. Yet today paints... (MORE)
Big Business: Friend or foe of big government?
On Tuesday, August 15, 2006, AFF hosted a debate on "Big Business: Friend or Foe of Big Government?" Major corporations have long been viewed as a natural -- indeed, essential -- ally of free markets and, by extension, classical liberalism.... (MORE)
10th Anniversary Roundtable: Conservatives vs. Libertarians
On Tuesday, July 18th, AFF hosted its 10th Anniversary Roundtable featuring Jonah Goldberg of National Review and Nick Gillespie of Reason magazine in a reprise of the legendary AFF debate on the relationship between conservatives and libertarians. Matthew Yglesias of... (MORE)
Should the government regulate the net?
On Thursday, June 15, 2006, AFF hosted the roundtable, "Network Neutrality: Should Government Regulate the Internet?" Supporters of network neutrality paint a bleak picture of the InternetÃÂââ?ìâ?âs future absent neutrality provisions, claiming that network providers will degrade or block the... (MORE)
What's your Bottom Line?
On Thursday, May 18, AFF hosted the roundtable, "WhatÃÂââ?ìâ?âs your Bottom Line: A Debate on Corporate Social Responsibility.ÃÂââ?ìÃÂàIs corporate social responsibilityÃÂââ?ìâ?ÃÂor CSR for shortÃÂââ?ìâ?ÃÂa new way of thinking about ÃÂââ?ìà?doing well by doing good?ÃÂââ?ìÃÂàOr, is CSR simply privatizing... (MORE)
Pork: Why Is It Still What's For Dinner?
On Thursday, April 13, 2006, AFF hosted the roundtable "Pork: Why Is It Still What's for Dinner?" With spending far from being "cut to the (ham)bone," has the Republican Congress's appetite for bringin' home the bacon clogged the arteries of... (MORE)
What does the Right want from its women?
What does the Right want from its women? In time for WomenÃÂââ?ìâ?âs History Month, AFF members and distinguished guests discussed that question at a roundtable on Thursday, March 9, 2006. Panelists Christina Hoff Sommers, Carrie L. Lukas, Allison Kasic, and... (MORE)
Dating in the Age of Constant Communication: Why 'I Missed Your Call' Doesn't Cut It Anymore
On February 8, 2006, AFF hosted a roundtable discussion on the topic, "Dating in the Age of Constant Communication: Why 'I Missed Your Call' Doesn't Cut it Anymore." In time for Valentines Day, we explored the impact technology has had... (MORE)
Iraq: Stay the Course or Bring them Home?
On Wednesday, January 18, 2006, AFF hosted the roundatable, "Iraq: Stay the Course or Bring them Home?" Panelists included Salameh Nematt, Washington Bureau Chief of Al-Hayat, Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran Todd Bowers representing Iraq and Afganinstan Veterans of America, Justin... (MORE)
Social Justice for the Right
On Wednesday, November 16, 2005, AFF host the roundtable, "Social Justice for the Right." After Katrina, what are the different conservative and libertarain visions for how to improve social welfare? Is a compassionate conservative welfare state any better than a... (MORE)
Cross Party Dating: The Pick-Ups, Perils, and Pitfalls
On Wednesday, October 12, 2005 AFF hosted the roundtable discussion, ÃÂââ?ìà?Cross Party Dating: The Pick-Ups, Perils, and Pitfalls.ÃÂââ?ìÃÂàPanelists debates the merits of dating people of different political ideologies. In the politically-charged D.C. culture, does party really matter in finding... (MORE)
What's the deal with intelligent design?
On Wednesday, September 14, 2005, AFF hosted the roundtable: ÃÂââ?ìà?WhatÃÂââ?ìâ?âs the deal with Intelligent Design?ÃÂââ?ìÃÂàOur panelists looked at what the debate over Intelligent Design tells us about American politics and culture. Is ID backlash for loss of local control... (MORE)
Supreme Court Nomination Roundtable
AFF hosted a roundtable on President Bush's Supreme Court nominee and the judicial nominations process on August 10, 2005. The event was titled, "John Roberts: Stealth Nominee? Has the President followed through on his promise to his conservative base or... (MORE)
Broadcast indecency roundtable
Has TV gone too far? What should the government do about it? Should it regulate cable and satellite like it does overt-the-air broadcasting, or should it loosen speech restrictions on the latter? And how does media consolidation fit into the... (MORE)
Immigration roundtable
We believe in liberty and an open society, but should that extend to our borders? How does the current flood of immigration, both legal and illegal, affect our culture, security, and economy? Can and should the government do anything about... (MORE)
Social Security reform roundtable
What does Social Security reform mean for people who will actually be alive in 2042? That's the question we tackled at this roundtable. Panelists, including Brooke Oberwetter of the Cato Institute, Max Pappas of FreedomWorks, Dean Baker of the Center... (MORE)
Should conservatives and libertarians divorce?
Conservatives and Libertarians: Can This Marriage Be Saved? During the Cold War era, conservatives and libertarians united around hostility toward communism and liberalism. The National Review's Frank Meyer called this union "fusionism," and argued that it wasn't just a marriage... (MORE)
Does Bush have a mandate?
AFF's 2004 post-election roundtable. The topic was President Bush's mandate. How will it play out? Will Bush's secondÃÂ?ÃÂÃÂ term lead to the shrinking of the federal government, or continue its expansion? Speakers included Don Devine, vice chairman of the American... (MORE)
Presidential debate roundtable
An AFF roundtable double feature: Election Day Countdown and Bush v. Kerry debate screening! There was no need to watch the pundits on FOX and MSNBC because AFF brought guests the finest in campaign and election analysis. Todd Weiner of... (MORE)
DC7 White House Briefing 2004
AFF's annual DC7 White House intern briefing took place at the Old Executive Office Building and was hosted by Tim Goeglein, Deputy Director of the White House Office of Public Liaison.... (MORE)
The state of Cuba
The topic of this AFF roundtable was the state of Cuba, and guests and panelists discussed the embargo, Castro's regime, human rights, and America'sÃÂ?ÃÂÃÂ role in the communist state. Speakers included Mark Falcoff, American Enterprise Institute's senior scholar on Latin American... (MORE)
Open source software roundtable
Can open source and proprietary software happily coexist in the marketplace or should the government step in? On June 2, 2004, AFF hosted a roundtable discussion on the future of open source and proprietary software. Speakers included Jim Delong, senior... (MORE)
Same-sex marriage redux roundtable
AFF hosted a same-sex marriage redux roundtable on Wednesday, April 21, 2004. Speakers included Andrew Sullivan, former congressman Bob Barr, Grover Norquist, and Prof. Phillip Munoz of the American Enterprise Institute. The event took place at the Fund for American... (MORE)
Are 'hipublicans' for real?
AFF hosted a roundtable on St. Patrick's Day, March, 17, 2004 looking at the alleged phenomenon of 'Hipublicans' and how political parties are accommodating the younger generation. The panel included Julian Sanchez of Reason and Matthew Yglesias of the American... (MORE)
Online dating roundtable
AFF hosted a Valentine's Day-themed roundtable on Wednesday, February, 18, 2004. We took a look at why so many young, successful people are turning to online services like Match.com to find romance? Why can't they find a mate in their... (MORE)
State of the Union roundtable
Just in time for the State of the Union Address, AFF hosted a roundtable discussion on Wednesday, January 14, 2004 on the Bush presidency so far. Speakers will include AFF Blogger and Cato Institute Senior Editor Gene Healy, James Pinkerton... (MORE)
