I headed to the British Library on Tuesday for the Spectator [a publication I sometimes contribute to] wealth tax debate. For was Novara Media founder and author Aaron Bastani. Against was Dr Arthur Laffer, of the Laffer Curve.The former was given warm applause as he came on. The latter was cheered to the rafters.
No surprise, then, that a poll at the start found that the audience opposed a wealth tax by roughly 86% to13%.
Bastani, who makes regular appearances on the broadcast circuit, is a confident and impressive performer, whether you agree with him or not. Dr Laffer still packs a serious punch too, despite being 86. He was clearly enjoying the challenge. At one point Dr Laffer declared: “Rich people are not the enemy, poor people are the problem.” This received a a rather theatrical look towards the audience from Bastani – somewhere between horrified and thrilled. Both men knew the role they were playing.
With a final vote ending 20% – 80% against, Bastani was declared the winner, having shifted the dial more during the debate. Who knew Spectator readers were such lefties?
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