FT's the Observer was proud to announce yesterday that it was their idea to put Paul Krugman and Michael Tanner (Cato) together for the NYSEC/openDemocracy event on March 15th, after Cato "failed" to invite Krugman to one of their own Social Security events last week.

"The Cato Institute has succumbed to the strength of Observer's arguments and invited Paul Krugman, Princeton economist and New York Times columnist, to a debate with Michael Tanner, one of Cato's top boffins, in New York next month," said the Observer.

"Your wish is our command," said Cato's Communications Director (also taking credit for the event). "We are happy to debate anyone, any time, anywhere on Social Security reform," he said.

This is going to be a knock-out debate. The policy punches are already flying.

But for the record: this event is co-sponsored by the New York Society for Ethical Culture, openDemocracy, The Century Foundation, The Nation, and Democrats.com - and we invited both speakers.