Behind the Bastards: Part Four - How Peter Thiel Became the Gravedigger of Democracy
Hosted by Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts
Introduction
In this episode of Behind the Bastards, hosts Robert Evans and Noah Shachtman delve deep into the controversial life and influence of Peter Thiel, a prominent tech billionaire whose actions have significantly impacted American democracy and the media landscape. Through a detailed analysis of Thiel's ventures, political maneuvers, and personal interests, the episode unravels how he has positioned himself as a formidable force against democratic institutions.
Peter Thiel's Anti-Immigration Stance
Peter Thiel’s anti-immigration views are a cornerstone of his political activism. The discussion highlights his support for organizations like NumbersUSA, founded by Roy Beck, a protege of John Tanton—a figure notorious for his white supremacist affiliations.
Noah Shachtman [06:15]: "Thiel saw this movement as promising. And he credited the failure of Bush era immigration reform."
Thiel's backing of NumbersUSA aligns with his broader agenda to curb non-white immigration, a stance that contradicts his own status as an immigrant born in Germany and holding dual citizenship with New Zealand.
Noah Shachtman [08:12]: "Thiel is pro. Him having a say, a safe valve... the core of the hardest anti-immigrant chunk of the US population is immigrants and children of immigrants."
The Gawker Lawsuit: A Strategic Assault
One of Thiel's most infamous actions was his orchestrated campaign against Gawker Media. The episode details how Thiel, after being outed by Gawker, funded a lawsuit that ultimately led to the media company's bankruptcy.
Noah Shachtman [16:00]: "Peter's frustrations were amplified by a public outcry against his complaints about women voting... forcing him to backpedal."
The hosts explain how Thiel's strategic legal maneuvers exploited Gawker's questionable decision to publish a sex tape of Hulk Hogan, turning a personal vendetta into a landmark case that reshaped media accountability.
Robert Evans [30:48]: "It's a scary moment."
Influence on Politics and Republican Campaigns
Thiel's political influence extends into significant financial support for Republican candidates. In 2022, he donated $35 million to 16 federal-level Republican candidates, with 12 securing victories despite the GOP's overall poor performance.
Noah Shachtman [55:27]: "Peter Thiel is a major donor and he speaks at the 2016 RNC where he endorses Donald Trump."
Thiel's endorsement of candidates like J.D. Vance and Blake Masters underscores his commitment to shaping the Republican agenda, particularly in areas like anti-immigration and surveillance.
Life Extension Obsessions
Beyond politics, Thiel's fascination with life extension and anti-aging research is explored. Through his nonprofit, Breakout Labs, he invests in unconventional solutions aimed at extending human lifespan, albeit with controversial methods.
Noah Shachtman [60:17]: "I think this may just be a case of Peter wanting the cosmetic benefits of HGH."
Thiel's pursuit of longevity technologies includes backing projects like Rational Vaccine, which faced significant setbacks during trials.
Palantir and Surveillance State
Peter Thiel’s co-founded company, Palantir, plays a pivotal role in government surveillance and intelligence operations. The episode scrutinizes Palantir's contracts with ICE and Homeland Security, highlighting ethical concerns regarding privacy and civil liberties.
Noah Shachtman [72:38]: "Palantir software is strictly involved in criminal investigations as opposed to deportations is false."
The discussion points out Palantir’s involvement in controversial operations like the "Kids in Cages" scandal, where the company's software facilitated the arrest of family members of unaccompanied minors at the U.S. border.
Thiel's War on Academia: The Thiel Fellowship
Thiel's critique of higher education culminates in the Thiel Fellowship, which offers $100,000 grants to young individuals to drop out of college and pursue entrepreneurial ventures. While some argue it fosters innovation, others criticize it for lacking the foundational support that traditional education provides.
Noah Shachtman [75:22]: "The Fellowship was a small attempt to get the future back on track by encouraging ambitious geniuses to take big swings."
The episode discusses the mixed outcomes of the fellowship, noting successes in producing unicorn startups but also highlighting personal struggles faced by some fellows.
Network State and Future Ambitions
Thiel's vision of a "network state," as advocated by Balaji Srinivas, involves creating tech-governed enclaves that operate independently of traditional democratic frameworks. This concept raises alarms about the consolidation of power among Silicon Valley elites and the erosion of democratic norms.
Noah Shachtman [73:01]: "Balaji's shocking idea for a tech-governed city where citizens loyal to tech companies would form a new political tribe."
The discussion emphasizes the potential dangers of such a state, including unchecked surveillance and the manipulation of law enforcement loyalties.
Conclusions
Peter Thiel emerges as a multifaceted antagonist whose endeavors challenge the very foundations of democracy and ethical governance. From dismantling media establishments to influencing political landscapes and pursuing controversial scientific research, Thiel’s actions exemplify the disruptive power wielded by modern tech oligarchs.
Noah Shachtman [89:47]: "Peter's going to help build the AI death machine that gets you targeted because you were once friends with a guy who looked up the wrong thing on the Internet."
The episode closes by reflecting on the broader implications of Thiel’s influence, warning of a future where such concentrated power could undermine democratic institutions and individual freedoms.
Notable Quotes
- Noah Shachtman [07:35]: "Thiel is putting money into all of the people adjacent to this guy."
- Sloan Glass [34:34]: "Right, you're going to operate differently if you know that there's a right wing billionaire that's building death trying to kill you."
- Noah Shachtman [44:05]: "A chilling effect, right?"
Final Thoughts
Behind the Bastards offers a comprehensive examination of Peter Thiel’s role as a disruptor in American society. By intertwining his business ventures, political activism, and personal obsessions, the episode paints a cautionary tale of how individual influence can shape and potentially destabilize democratic institutions.
For more insights and detailed analyses, tune into Behind the Bastards every Wednesday and Friday on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.