The mission of the Miller Center's National Discussion and Debate Series is to encourage a vigorous, well-informed discussion on the national stage about the major issues of our time. Political debates today are often characterized by sound bites and personal attacks. We aim to offer an alternative by offering a different kind of debate that will contribute to the national conversation with a genuine, thoughtful give-and-take that will both inform people and provoke dialogue. During the 2007-2008 academic year, the NDDS will host five debates on important policy issues.