Intelligence Squared U.S. Debates "Individuals And Organizations Have A Constitutional Right To Unlimited Spending On Their Own Political Speech" At Philadelphia's National Constitution Center, June 26

Intelligence Squared U.S. - the provocative debate series that has recently held events in New York, Boston, DC, Chicago, Aspen and Southern California - will host their second debate at Philadelphia's National Constitution Center on June 26. Four authorities will debate the motion "Individuals and Organizations Have a Constitutional Right to Unlimited Spending on Their Own Political Speech," weighing whether independent speech is the linchpin of our democracy or its Achilles' heel.

For democracy to work, some say, citizens (and corporations, unions, media outlets, and other organizations) must be allowed to express their views on the issues, candidates, and elections of the day. This is exactly why the First Amendment protects the freedom of speech and of the press. But if everyone can spend as much money as they like to express their political views, will some voices be amplified, magnified and enhanced -- while others are all but drowned out?

Arguing for the motion:
· Floyd Abrams, leading First Amendment expert & Partner at the law firm, Cahill Gordon & Reindel
· Nadine Strossen, former President of the ACLU & Professor at New York Law School

Arguing against the motion:
· Burt Neuborne, Professor at NYU Law & Founding Legal Director, Brennan Center for Justice
· Zephyr Teachout, Associate Professor at Fordham Law & former National Director of the Sunlight Foundation

WHAT: Intelligence Squared U.S. Debates "Individuals And Organizations Have a Constitutional Right To Unlimited Spending On Their Own Political Speech"
WHEN: Thursday, June 26, 2014 / Reception 5:30-6:30 / Debate 6:30-8:00 PM
WHERE: F.M. Kirby Auditorium at the National Constitution Center/525 Arch Street, Independence Mall/Philadelphia, PA 19106
TICKETS: $25 members, $30 non-members, and free for 1787 Society. To purchase, visit http://shorefi.re/TrTaos

Before the debate, audience members will vote on the motion; afterward, the audience votes again. The team that moves the most voters to its side will be the winning team in the debate. People can also weigh in online here.

The debate will also stream live online, then air soon after as part of the NPR show "Intelligence Squared U.S." On June 26, online viewers can tune in here.

ABOUT INTELLIGENCE SQUARED U.S. DEBATES (IQ2US)
Winner of the 2013 Silver Radio Award for Best Public Affairs Program and named one of the "Five Podcasts that Will Change the Way You Think" by Forbes, Intelligence Squared U.S. was founded in New York City in 2006 by Robert Rosenkranz, and has grown into an internationally syndicated series heard and watched by millions. The debates have attracted some of the world's top thinkers, including Steven Forbes, Dr. Neal Barnard, Paul Krugman, Karl Rove, Malcolm Gladwell, and Arianna Huffington. With over 90 debates, Intelligence Squared U.S. has encouraged the public to "think twice" on a wide range of provocative topics. Author and ABC News correspondent John Donvan has moderated IQ2US since 2008. The executive producer is Dana Wolfe.

About the National Constitution Center
The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia is the Museum of We the People, America's Town Hall, and a Headquarters for Civic Education. As the Museum of We the People, the National Constitution Center brings the United States Constitution to life for visitors of all ages and inspires active citizenship by celebrating the American constitutional tradition. The museum features interactive exhibits, engaging theatrical performances, and original documents of freedom. As the only institution established by Congress to "disseminate information about the United States Constitution on a non-partisan basis," the National Constitution Center serves as a Headquarters for Civic Education--offering cutting-edge learning resources including the premier online Interactive Constitution. As America's Town Hall, the National Constitution Center hosts timely constitutional conversations uniting distinguished leaders, scholars, authors, and journalists from across the political spectrum. For more information, call 215-409-6700 or visit http://constitutioncenter.org/