Murdoch Succession Drama, Trump's Voting Promises, and Guest Anne Applebaum
3Digest
This episode of the Pivot podcast delves into the growing threat of autocracy worldwide, examining the strategies employed by autocrats and the potential dangers they pose to democracy. The conversation begins with a discussion of Trump's attempts to court Bitcoin supporters, highlighting his lack of understanding of the technology and his potential motives for doing so. The episode then shifts to an analysis of Kamala Harris's successful digital strategy, which has engaged a new generation of voters through the use of short-form video platforms. Anne Applebaum, author of "Autocracy Inc.," joins the discussion to provide insights into the network of autocrats who share a desire for absolute power and support each other in maintaining it. She discusses how democracies have successfully pushed back against emerging autocrats, citing the example of Poland, where a coalition of parties defeated an autocratic ruling party. She also analyzes the situation in Venezuela, where Maduro's autocratic rule has been sustained by support from Russia, China, Iran, and Cuba. The conversation then explores the potential dangers of deep fakes in the context of elections, highlighting the importance of combating misinformation and protecting the integrity of the electoral process. The episode concludes with a discussion of the high stakes of the upcoming US election, particularly for autocratic regimes like Russia, who see it as a crucial opportunity to influence the outcome. The speaker emphasizes the need for vigilance and civic engagement to counter autocratic tendencies and protect democratic institutions.
Outlines
Introduction and Aspen Update, White Guy Podcast and Identity Politics
Cara Swisher and Scott Galloway introduce the Pivot podcast. Cara shares she's in Aspen, enjoying the less crowded summer season due to people traveling to Europe after COVID. They discuss the overpriced sandwiches at Santa and Bros, a popular spot in Aspen. Scott discusses being invited to a "white guy" podcast on CNN, highlighting the growing recognition of white men in society. They debate the role of identity politics in the current world, with Scott expressing concern about its potential for division.
Trump Courts Bitcoin Bros, Kamala's Digital Strategy
Trump's attempt to court Bitcoin supporters by promising to make the US a crypto capital is discussed. Scott criticizes Trump's lack of understanding of crypto and sees it as a ploy to raise money. They also discuss Kamala Harris's successful digital strategy, which has engaged a new generation of creators and voters.
Elon Musk's Deep Fake and Family Drama
Elon Musk's actions on X, including posting a deep fake video of Kamala Harris and his ongoing family drama, are discussed. Scott and Cara express concern about the potential for deep fakes to influence elections and highlight the importance of fathers being present in their children's lives.
Trump's Bitcoin Play, Kamala's Fundraising Numbers, and Elon's Deep Fake Post
The podcast discusses Trump's appeal to Bitcoin supporters, Kamala Harris's impressive fundraising numbers, and Elon Musk's deep fake post. They analyze the implications of these events for the upcoming election and the future of social media.
Trump's Autocratic Ambitions and the Network of Autocrats
Anne Applebaum, author of "Autocracy Inc.,\" joins the discussion. She analyzes Trump's comments about Christians not needing to vote again if he wins, highlighting his attempt to normalize the idea that voting doesn't matter. Applebaum explains the concept of \"Autocracy Inc.,\" a network of autocrats who share a desire for absolute power and support each other in maintaining it.
Repelling Autocracy: Lessons from Poland and Venezuela
Applebaum discusses how democracies have successfully pushed back against emerging autocrats, citing the example of Poland, where a coalition of parties defeated an autocratic ruling party. She also analyzes the situation in Venezuela, where Maduro's autocratic rule has been sustained by support from Russia, China, Iran, and Cuba.
Autocracies and the Global Threat, Hopeful Signs and Civic Engagement
The conversation begins by discussing the prevalence of autocratic tendencies globally, emphasizing that no country is immune to the potential rise of autocracy. The speaker highlights the existence of individuals in every nation who favor autocratic systems, often driven by personal gain, comfort with strong leadership, or dissatisfaction with existing systems. The discussion shifts to hopeful signs around the world, particularly in the US, where the speaker observes a spontaneous and uncontrolled surge of support for Vice President Harris. This is seen as a positive indicator of civic engagement and a potential counterforce against autocratic tendencies.
The Stakes of the Election and Autocratic Interference, Project 2025 and the Autocrat's Handbook
The speaker emphasizes the high stakes of the upcoming US election, particularly for autocratic regimes like Russia, who see it as a crucial opportunity to influence the outcome. They are likely to engage in extensive propaganda, social media manipulation, and even potentially orchestrated events to undermine a Harris presidency. The conversation delves into Project 2025, a policy document that has been likened to an autocrat's handbook. The speaker highlights its similarities to strategies employed by Hungary, including institutional takeover, curtailing rights, and manipulating education systems.
Wins and Fails: Netanyahu's Endorsement of Trump, Wins and Fails: The Paris Olympics and Tech Bro Wars, Wins and Fails: Vivian Jenner Wilson's Resilience
The discussion transitions to a segment on "wins and fails," where the speaker criticizes Vice President Harris's absence at a recent event in Israel, arguing that it gave Republicans a wedge issue to exploit. The speaker also condemns Prime Minister Netanyahu's endorsement of Trump, deeming it a tactical mistake that could harm Israel's long-term interests. The speaker expresses their admiration for the Paris Olympics, highlighting its spectacle and inspiring moments. They also find amusement in the public feuding between tech titans in Silicon Valley, viewing it as a spectacle of "bro on bro" fighting. The speaker praises Vivian Jenner Wilson, Elon Musk's daughter, for her humorous and classy handling of her father's problematic behavior. They admire her ability to reclaim her narrative and speak up for herself against her father's attacks on trans people.
Keywords
Autocracy Inc.
A term coined by Anne Applebaum to describe a network of autocrats who share a desire for absolute power and support each other in maintaining it. This network includes countries like Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, Venezuela, and Belarus.
Deep Fake
A digitally altered video or audio recording that makes it appear as if a person is saying or doing something they did not. Deep fakes pose a significant threat to democracy, as they can be used to spread misinformation and manipulate public opinion.
Bitcoin
A decentralized digital currency that operates independently of central banks. Bitcoin has become increasingly popular in recent years, but its regulation and potential impact on the economy remain controversial.
Kamala Harris
The current Vice President of the United States. Harris is considered a potential candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2024. She has been praised for her digital strategy, which has engaged a new generation of voters.
Elon Musk
The CEO of Tesla and SpaceX. Musk is a controversial figure who has been criticized for his actions on social media, including posting a deep fake video of Kamala Harris and his ongoing family drama.
Donald Trump
The former President of the United States. Trump is a polarizing figure who has been accused of authoritarian tendencies. He is currently running for president again in 2024.
Autocracy
A system of government in which supreme power is concentrated in the hands of one person, whose decisions are not subject to any significant checks or balances.
Project 2025
A policy document outlining a plan for the future of the United States, often criticized for its potential to undermine democratic institutions and individual rights.
Civic Engagement
The active participation of citizens in their community and government, often through voting, volunteering, or advocacy.
Q&A
What is "Autocracy Inc." and how does it relate to Donald Trump?
"Autocracy Inc." is a term coined by Anne Applebaum to describe a network of autocrats who share a desire for absolute power and support each other in maintaining it. While Trump is not formally part of this network, he admires their ability to get away with whatever they want and has expressed a desire to be like them.
What are the potential dangers of deep fakes in the context of elections?
Deep fakes can be used to spread misinformation and manipulate public opinion, potentially influencing the outcome of elections. If deep fake videos of violence at polling stations were to be circulated in swing districts, it could lead to a decrease in voter turnout and undermine the integrity of the election.
How is Kamala Harris's digital strategy different from previous presidential campaigns?
Harris's campaign has successfully engaged a new generation of creators and voters through the use of short-form video platforms like TikTok. This approach has been effective in reaching younger, more progressive voters who are comfortable with these mediums.
What are the implications of Trump's attempt to court Bitcoin supporters?
Trump's promise to make the US a crypto capital and deregulate Bitcoin is seen by many as a ploy to raise money from wealthy investors. This approach could have significant consequences for the economy and the regulation of cryptocurrencies.
What are some of the lessons learned from countries that have successfully pushed back against emerging autocrats?
One key lesson is the importance of forming broad coalitions that unite people across ideological divides. Additionally, strong civic engagement, election monitoring, and grassroots campaigning are crucial in resisting autocratic tendencies.
What are some of the key factors that contribute to the rise of autocracies around the world?
The speaker suggests that a combination of factors can contribute to the rise of autocracies, including economic inequality, social unrest, and a desire for strong leadership.
What are some hopeful signs that suggest a resistance to autocratic tendencies?
The speaker points to the spontaneous outpouring of support for Vice President Harris as a positive sign of civic engagement and a potential counterforce against autocracy.
How might autocratic regimes attempt to influence the outcome of the upcoming US election?
The speaker suggests that autocratic regimes like Russia might engage in propaganda, social media manipulation, and even potentially orchestrated events to undermine a Harris presidency.
What are some of the key elements of Project 2025 that have been likened to an autocrat's handbook?
Project 2025 has been criticized for its similarities to strategies employed by Hungary, including institutional takeover, curtailing rights, and manipulating education systems.
What are the potential consequences of Prime Minister Netanyahu's endorsement of Donald Trump?
The speaker argues that Netanyahu's endorsement of Trump could harm Israel's long-term interests, particularly if Harris wins the election.
Show Notes
Kara and Scott discuss Biden's proposal to reform the Supreme Court, and Rupert Murdoch's real-life succession drama. Then, Elon is dealing with some family drama of his own, as his estranged daughter and his ex's mother call him out on social media. He also seems to have violated his own platform's policies, by sharing a deep fake of a Kamala Harris ad. Plus, Donald Trump courts the Bitcoin bros and Christian voters, as Kamala raises millions. Finally, our Friend of Pivot is Anne Applebaum, staff writer at The Atlantic, and author of "Autocracy, Inc.: The Dictators Who Want to Run the World." Anne explains how the current group of world autocrats will stop at nothing to gain absolute power, and digs into the dangers of a Trump second term.
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