As the world adjusts to the results of the 2024 presidential election, one YouTube channel has attempted to foster open, authentic debates in our increasingly politically polarized world. In these videos, a political pundit is seated in the center of a gray room, surrounded by people with opposing viewpoints. In the series from channel Jubilee, aptly named Surrounded, the pundit's shocking stance will be read aloud (think: 'Kamala Harris is a DEI candidate'). A small analog clock runs down from twenty minutes. Like a speed chess match in your local park, competitors flock to the single chair to take on the smug expert. And just like one of those matches, the competitor walks back to their chair, feeling confused and slightly defeated. 

Of course, the noble goal of the Jubilee channel is to create an honest dialogue centered around the real issues affecting Americans. Yet this is rarely, if ever, the case. The three most recent videos utilizing this format have received over 40 million views. Yet, you would probably be hard-pressed to find an actual discussion within the hours of content in these long-form productions. Too often, the debates become arguments centered around talking points or one-liners that distract from the actual substance of policy and concrete plans. Whether it is a Kamala Harris supporter mischaracterizing a Cesarean section as an abortion or a Trump supporter perpetuating the outrageous Barack Obama birther lies, these conversations are rife with misinformation and a severe lack of education on the real issues that are impacting American lives. Although the pundits do their best to remain civil, Jubilee videos often contain interruption and misplaced anger. The real problems of immigration, abortion, and the environment are lost in a sea of political jargon, a microcosm of our current political environment. 

This leads to the simple but frightening question: when did honest discourse in this country die? The ever-shortening attention spans of Americans make the allure of soundbites an attractive offer to any political enthusiast looking to catch their friends with a quick punchline or rehearsed quip. Yet, when asked to expound on the policy specifics, many people are at a loss for words. 

In a way, this is one of the most frightening aspects of the social media age: the obsessive need for 15-second explanations of complex political issues eliminates all possibility of nuance or critical thinking. This issue is precisely where Jubilee and the Surrounded series fall short. By promoting rushed conversations and viral 'gotcha' moments, the channel only exacerbates the problem of shortening attention spans and damages any prospect of policy-oriented debate.

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As a soon-to-be voter, I am increasingly worried about the future of honest discourse. The lack of substance in many Jubilee videos in favor of punchlines and verbal jabs is everything wrong with our current political climate that is characterized by partisanship and rhetoric over any meaningful discussion. And as the steady droll of campaign ads and stump speeches inevitably subsides in the months following the election, I can’t help but wonder if honest discourse in this country will continue its slow death along with it.