Podcast Title: On with Kara Swisher
Host: Kara Swisher
Guest: Reid Hoffman
Episode: Reid Hoffman on Trump, Elon, Peter Thiel and Lina Khan
Release Date: October 28, 2024

Introduction

In this compelling episode of On with Kara Swisher, award-winning journalist Kara Swisher engages in a deep and insightful conversation with Reid Hoffman, entrepreneur, investor, and strategist. Recorded live at the Masters of Scale Summit in San Francisco, the discussion delves into the intersections of technology, politics, and business influence, touching upon controversial figures like Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, and Lina Khan.

Trump’s Influence in Business and Tech

Reid Hoffman opens the conversation by addressing the complex relationship between prominent business leaders and former President Donald Trump. He highlights the paradox of business support for Trump despite Trump's autocratic tendencies and controversial policies.

Reid Hoffman [06:17]: "He is the greatest coin op president in history in that he's viable and they can do what they want."

Hoffman criticizes the business community's support for Trump, emphasizing the detrimental impact of policies like income tax elimination and tariffs, which economists predict could lead to economic instability.

Reid Hoffman [07:09]: "Some of them have many, many billionaires in tech and finance spoke out against Trump after January 6th. They reversed themselves."

The Role of Democratic Donors and Shifts in Support

The conversation shifts to the role of Democratic mega donors, particularly Reid Hoffman himself, and their efforts to counteract Trump's influence. Hoffman discusses the challenges faced by Democratic donors in maintaining integrity and consistency in their political support.

Teddy Schleifer [07:02]: "Ben Horowitz... is donating to Harris. What happened there? Do you think he's hedging his bets, or he actually is trying to help Harris win?"

Hoffman underscores the importance of principled political contributions, contrasting it with what he terms "grifter capitalism."

Reid Hoffman [08:08]: "They tend to go quiet. And what do you say to them?"

Disinformation and Tech Companies’ Responsibility

A significant portion of the dialogue revolves around the responsibility of tech companies in combating disinformation. Hoffman challenges the effectiveness of social media platforms in moderating content and preventing the spread of false information.

Reid Hoffman [21:44]: "What responsibility do tech companies have for this?"

Hoffman critiques the current state of content moderation, citing personal anecdotes of his and his wife's experiences with platform policies.

Teddy Schleifer [23:08]: "If someone is out there spreading... destructive anti-vax information... you should as a platform try to make that less of a meme."

Lina Khan and FTC Leadership

The discussion turns to Lina Khan, Chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), with Hoffman and Schleifer expressing concerns over her impact on American industry and venture investment.

Teddy Schleifer [15:00]: "In one particular thing in tech M and A... Lina Khan is actually being pretty destructive to American industry."

Schleifer elaborates on his stance, advocating for smarter governance and expressing opposition to what he perceives as crony capitalism under Khan's leadership.

Personal Attacks from Tech Figures on Reid Hoffman

Reid Hoffman shares his experiences with personal attacks from fellow tech leaders like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, highlighting the toxic dynamics that can emerge within influential circles.

Reid Hoffman [19:01]: "Elon attacked you and essentially said you were on Jeffrey Epstein's client list and insinuated the real reason you support Harris."

Hoffman reflects on the nature of these attacks, pondering their impact on his personal and professional life.

Teddy Schleifer [21:12]: "It's a privilege and an honor and do it or else I'll be very angry at you."

AI and Copyright Issues

The conversation shifts to the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence, specifically addressing the ethical and legal dilemmas surrounding AI training on copyrighted material. Hoffman raises concerns about the potential for AI models to inadvertently engage in plagiarism.

Reid Hoffman [33:07]: "Please expand on that. Clearly a lot of copywriters like myself disagree."

Teddy Schleifer [34:17]: "If someone reading a book... but those are three separate issues."

Schleifer advocates for updated copyright laws that address the nuances of AI and machine learning, ensuring creators are fairly compensated.

Vision for AI as a Cognitive GPS

Hoffman introduces a metaphor likening artificial intelligence to a cognitive GPS, illustrating how AI can navigate complex informational landscapes to aid human decision-making and productivity.

Teddy Schleifer [34:45]: "AI is giving us cognitive powers... like a GPS is an aid, but in a broader mental space."

He emphasizes the transformative potential of AI in enhancing human capabilities while acknowledging the slower pace at which human institutions adapt to technological advancements.

Teddy Schleifer [35:00]: "Human institutions change more slowly than technologists expect them to."

Concerns about Potential Trump Administration

Hoffman and Schleifer express deep concerns about the possibility of a Trump or similarly aligned administration in the future. They discuss the anticipated increase in the misuse of state instruments for political gain and the threats posed to democratic norms.

Teddy Schleifer [30:32]: "I would say I have the unfortunate expectation of various of the magists being abusing the instruments of state to be retaliatory."

Schleifer urges listeners to remain vigilant and engaged in the electoral process to prevent such outcomes.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with actionable advice from Schleifer, encouraging listeners to actively participate in elections by contacting undecided voters in key battleground states. Hoffman affirms his commitment to advocating for a principled and transparent political landscape.

Reid Hoffman [36:27]: "If you're already following the show, you clearly have a voting plan and you're dragging someone else along, do it."

Kara Swisher wraps up the episode, reinforcing the importance of voting and civic engagement.

Notable Quotes

• Reid Hoffman [06:17]: "He is the greatest coin op president in history in that he's viable and they can do what they want."

• Teddy Schleifer [15:00]: "In one particular thing in tech M and A... Lina Khan is actually being pretty destructive to American industry."

• Teddy Schleifer [34:45]: "AI is giving us cognitive powers... like a GPS is an aid, but in a broader mental space."

• Reid Hoffman [36:27]: "If you're already following the show, you clearly have a voting plan and you're dragging someone else along, do it."

Key Takeaways

• Business and Political Influence: The episode highlights the intricate and often controversial relationships between business leaders and political figures, particularly focusing on support for Donald Trump within the business community.

• Integrity in Political Donations: Hoffman and Schleifer discuss the importance of maintaining integrity and consistency in political donations, critiquing those who shift their support based on personal or economic gain.

• Tech Companies and Disinformation: A significant theme is the responsibility of tech companies in mitigating the spread of disinformation, with Hoffman advocating for more effective content moderation strategies.

• AI Ethics and Regulation: The conversation delves into the ethical implications of AI training on copyrighted material and proposes the need for updated laws to address these challenges.

• Civic Engagement: Both Hoffman and Schleifer emphasize the critical role of civic participation in safeguarding democratic institutions and preventing the misuse of state power.

This episode of On with Kara Swisher offers a thought-provoking examination of the crossroads between technology, politics, and ethical governance, providing listeners with valuable insights into the current and future landscape of American business and political dynamics.