Podcast Summary: On with Kara Swisher
Episode: Sen. Amy Klobuchar on Regulating Tech, Antitrust, Trump’s Picks & More
Release Date: January 9, 2025

In this engaging and insightful episode of On with Kara Swisher, award-winning journalist Kara Swisher sits down with Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar to discuss a range of pressing topics, including tech regulation, antitrust legislation, the implications of a Republican trifecta, and the aftermath of the recent presidential election. The conversation delves deep into the challenges and strategies surrounding political maneuvering, technological oversight, and the future landscape of American governance.

1. Introduction and Senator Klobuchar’s Re-election

Kara Swisher opens the discussion by congratulating Sen. Klobuchar on her recent re-election to her fourth Senate term, highlighting her longstanding role as a key voice in tech regulation and antitrust efforts.

Klobuchar [03:19]: "It is on."

Senator Klobuchar emphasizes her commitment to upholding the Constitution and navigating the complex political environment ahead. She underscores the importance of seeking common ground while standing firm on critical issues like tax cuts for the wealthy and corporate consolidation.

Klobuchar [03:38]: "The North Star is just, you know, does this help people and improving people's lives? And if it greatly hurts people, I'm going to call them out on it and hold them accountable."

2. The 2024 Presidential Election and Its Aftermath

Klobuchar reflects on her experience during the certification of Electoral College votes, which resulted in President Donald Trump securing another term. She shares her perspective on the election being primarily an economic one, where issues like pharmaceutical prices and affordable housing took precedence over previous concerns about democracy and abortion rights.

Klobuchar [06:06]: "I think it would be a mistake to rule out the fact that people still care about our democracy. They still care about their rights. It's just that it is on us in the next few years to make the case that we can do things that would improve people's lives."

3. Enhancing Capitol Security Post-January 6th

Responding to concerns about security at the Capitol, Senator Klobuchar outlines the significant reforms implemented since the January 6th insurrection. These include stronger leadership, accountability measures, and improved protocols for deploying the National Guard.

Klobuchar [08:15]: "We have now hired a new person and we can terminate a person. It's not the president. It's members of Congress that have to agree on that."

She also addresses President Trump's pledge to pardon some January 6 defendants, expressing her opposition to blanket pardons due to the severity of the crimes committed.

Klobuchar [10:11]: "If President Elect Trump is going to pardon these insurrectionists across the board, that's just outrageous."

4. Tech Regulation and Antitrust Legislation

A significant portion of the conversation centers on the challenges of passing effective tech regulation and antitrust laws. Senator Klobuchar discusses her efforts to champion bipartisan bills aimed at curbing the monopolistic practices of tech giants like Amazon, Apple, Google, and Facebook.

Klobuchar [14:16]: "They have really pushed money into campaigns on both sides of the aisle and it has had influence on both sides of my mind."

She highlights the setbacks faced due to opposition from figures like Jim Jordan and influential tech leaders, emphasizing the need for continued advocacy and legislative action.

Klobuchar [23:05]: "We have no way I'm going to reintroduce the bill in the first month of this year. So no way I'm going to give up. I mean, we're going to move forward."

5. The Influence of Big Tech Donations

The discussion turns to the substantial financial contributions from big tech companies to political campaigns and their potential impact on future administrations' relationships with the tech industry.

Klobuchar [16:13]: "It's concerning because you've got, you're going to have them have, you know, unequal access and out there I don't really see all these little, you know, companies that are trying to compete and get into the marketplace."

She argues that these donations facilitate undue influence, undermining efforts to enforce antitrust laws and maintain competitive markets.

6. Addressing Content Moderation and AI Regulation

Senator Klobuchar elaborates on specific legislative efforts such as the American Innovation and Competition Online (AICO) Act and the Kids Online Safety Act. She stresses the importance of regulating AI and content moderation to protect consumers, especially children, from harmful online content.

Klobuchar [26:04]: "We've gotta make sure that that is up front and center. And if they want to talk the talk on consolidation and doing something about tech and privacy and pornography and protecting the public, and they believe in capitalism, which I believe many of them do. Then they can't be bought out by monopoly interests."

7. Nominee Concerns and Future Legislation

The conversation shifts to upcoming nominations related to the Department of Justice and the Federal Communications Commission, with Klobuchar outlining her concerns and strategic questions for nominees like Pam Bondi and Gail Slater. She emphasizes the necessity of nominees supporting antitrust enforcement and upholding the law without personal or economic biases.

Klobuchar [39:56]: "I am in this. I am not giving up the fight. I'm gonna hold them accountable for this."

8. Reflections on Presidential Legacies and Personal Insights

In a personal touch, Senator Klobuchar shares memories of former President Jimmy Carter, highlighting his integrity, resilience, and contributions post-presidency. She draws parallels between Carter's legacy and the current political climate, advocating for unity and purposeful action.

Klobuchar [48:00]: "I just think that resiliency is something people need right now. ... We might have lost an election from my perspective, but we didn't lose hope."

9. Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

As the episode concludes, both Kara and Amy reflect on the continuous challenges ahead, reaffirming their commitment to improving American governance and advocating for fair competition in the tech industry. Klobuchar expresses optimism about the ongoing legislative efforts and the potential for meaningful change despite political obstacles.

Klobuchar [46:43]: "I am happy being in the Senate. I just moved into the number three leadership spot in the Democratic caucus."

Notable Quotes:

• Klobuchar [03:38]: "The North Star is just, you know, does this help people and improving people's lives? And if it greatly hurts people, I'm going to call them out on it and hold them accountable."

• Klobuchar [10:11]: "If President Elect Trump is going to pardon these insurrectionists across the board, that's just outrageous."

• Klobuchar [26:04]: "We've gotta make sure that that is up front and center. And if they want to talk the talk on consolidation and doing something about tech and privacy and pornography and protecting the public, and they believe in capitalism, which I believe many of them do. Then they can't be bought out by monopoly interests."

• Klobuchar [46:43]: "I am happy being in the Senate. I just moved into the number three leadership spot in the Democratic caucus."

Senator Amy Klobuchar's candid conversation with Kara Swisher offers listeners a comprehensive look into the complexities of tech regulation, the intricacies of passing antitrust legislation, and the broader political dynamics shaping the near future. Her unwavering dedication to accountability, fair competition, and constitutional integrity underscores the challenges and opportunities awaiting American lawmakers.