Pivot Podcast Summary: Episode "Minnesota Shootings, No Kings Protests, and Israel-Iran Attacks Escalate"

Release Date: June 17, 2025
Hosts: Kara Swisher & Scott Galloway
Produced by: New York Magazine and the Vox Media Podcast Network

1. Minnesota Shootings: A Tragedy of Political Violence

Overview:
The episode opens with a heart-wrenching discussion about a recent act of political violence in Minnesota. A 57-year-old man named Vance Bolter was charged with murder after he shot two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses early Saturday morning. Governor Tim Walz labeled it as "targeted political violence," and authorities are contemplating federal charges.

Key Points:

• Victims:

  • State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed.
  • State Senator John Hoff and his wife were seriously injured.

• Suspect's Motive:
  Bolter wasn’t merely a random shooter; he had a list of approximately 70 potential targets, including Democratic politicians and abortion providers, indicating a deeply politicized motive.

• Public and Political Reaction:
  Figures like Senator Amy Klobuchar mourn the loss, emphasizing Hortman's dedication to her constituents and her involvement in significant legislation, such as free school lunches and paid family leave.

Notable Quotes:

• Scott Galloway [06:00]: "Representative Melissa Hortman sounds incredible," highlighting her commendable service.
• Scott Galloway [07:27]: "He called them Marxists. Is that right?" Referring to criticism from figures like Mike Lee, dismissing the notion that the far left is responsible for such violence.

Insights:

• The discussion underscores the alarming rise in violent threats and actions against public officials, escalating to unprecedented levels.
• Galloway connects broader societal issues, attributing this rise in political violence to climate change-induced stresses, social media-fueled polarization, and income inequality.

2. No Kings Protests vs. Trump’s Military Parade

Overview:
The hosts juxtapose the resounding success and creativity of the "No Kings" protests across the United States with the underwhelming turnout of President Trump's recent military parade in Washington, D.C.

Key Points:

• Trump’s Military Parade:

  • Hosted by over 6,000 soldiers and 100 tanks, the parade drew significantly fewer spectators than anticipated, with estimations around 100,000 attendees instead of the expected 200,000.
  • Criticism arises over the parade's lack of genuine public engagement, viewing it as a pompous display overshadowed by stronger civic movements.

• No Kings Protests:

  • Over 5 million participants across 2,000+ cities engaged in the "No Kings" movement, showcasing peaceful yet determined demonstrations.
  • Creative and impactful signage, such as protesters mimicking scenes from The Handmaid’s Tale or displaying humorous yet poignant messages like "If a dictator throws a military parade and no one watches it, did it really happen?".

• Civic Engagement:

  • Galloway highlights that such large-scale, creative protests signify a robust citizenry committed to societal change, marking a shift towards active participation in democracy.

Notable Quotes:

• Kara Swisher [19:41]: "I enjoyed reveling in how stupid and lame this thing was," criticizing the parade's execution.
• Scott Galloway [21:16]: "No Kings looked really fun," praising the effectiveness and spirit of the protests.
• Scott Galloway [25:00]: "If we get to three, there's never been civic activity... where more than three percent of the population shows up there isn't significant change."

Insights:

• The contrasting receptions between the military parade and the protests illustrate a public preference for genuine, grassroots movements over top-down displays of power.
• High participation in "No Kings" suggests a significant awakening and mobilization among citizens, potentially leading to substantial political and social reforms.

3. Escalation in the Israel-Iran Conflict: Trump's Controversial Role

Overview:
Kara and Scott delve into the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, with a particular focus on President Trump's involvement amidst the volatile situation.

Key Points:

• Israel’s Preemptive Strikes:
  Israel launched surprise attacks targeting Iranian nuclear and military facilities, eliminating top generals and nuclear scientists. This move has significantly set back Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

• Iran’s Retaliation:
  Iran responded with missile strikes, leading to escalating civilian casualties and a deteriorating security situation in the Middle East.

• Trump’s Position and Actions:

  • Despite not being in office, Trump is depicted as actively commenting on and influencing the situation.
  • The White House denies any U.S. involvement in Israel’s actions, although there are suspicions of covert support.
  • Trump attempted, albeit unsuccessfully, to assassinate Iran’s leader, further worsening tensions.

Notable Quotes:

• Kara Swisher [32:47]: "The Ukrainian army and the IDF are doing the dirty, dangerous work for the West," emphasizing the role of allied forces in managing conflicts.
• Scott Galloway [37:51]: "Everyday in Iran, you got to be thinking, okay, what did I sign up for here?"

Insights:

• The episode underscores the precarious balance of power in the Middle East, highlighting the risks of unilateral military actions.
• The hosts express concerns about unintended consequences stemming from aggressive maneuvers, stressing the need for diplomatic solutions over continued conflict.

4. Trump and Elon Musk Feud: Implications for SpaceX and Tesla

Overview:
The hosts discuss the escalating feud between former President Donald Trump and entrepreneur Elon Musk, analyzing potential repercussions for Musk’s companies, SpaceX and Tesla.

Key Points:

• Crisis Point:
  The White House has instructed the Defense Department and NASA to review billions in contracts with SpaceX amid the fallout between Trump and Musk.

• Trump’s Threats:
  Trump has openly criticized Musk, threatening severe consequences if Musk continues his dissent. He insinuates potential actions like cutting off subsidies, targeting SpaceX’s contracts, or leveraging IRS power against Musk.

• Musk’s Position:
  Elon Musk has expressed frustration and concern over Trump’s policies and threats, hinting at instability in the relationship and the future of Musk’s business ventures under Trump’s influence.

Notable Quotes:

• Scott Galloway [48:35]: "The White House directed the Defense Department and NASA to gather details on billions in contracts with SpaceX."
• Kara Swisher [53:48]: "This is exactly the time to speak up," urging influential figures to stand against autocratic tendencies.

Insights:

• The confrontation between Trump and Musk symbolizes a broader conflict between political power and entrepreneurial freedom.
• Potential government retraction of SpaceX and Tesla support could have significant implications for the U.S. aerospace and automotive industries, emphasizing the delicate interplay between politics and business.

5. The Role of Leadership and Civic Engagement in Countering Autocracy

Overview:
Kara and Scott reflect on the necessity of strong, moral leadership and active civic participation to safeguard democracy against rising autocratic tendencies.

Key Points:

• Leadership Vacuum:
  Both hosts lament the lack of emerging leaders capable of unifying diverse political factions and countering autocratic influences, particularly from Trump-era policies.

• Civic Responsibility:
  Emphasizing the importance of ordinary citizens engaging in mass protests and civic activities, they argue that widespread participation is crucial to instigate meaningful policy changes.

• Call to Action:
  Scott references Paul Krugman’s viewpoint on the necessity for mass protests to reclaim democracy, while Kara urges influential individuals, especially wealthy Democrats and CEOs, to use their platforms to advocate for justice and equality.

Notable Quotes:

• Scott Galloway [55:01]: "We don't have someone. And this is out of enormous respect for him," referring to former President Obama’s potential role in leadership.
• Kara Swisher [59:43]: "Gentlemen, grow a fucking pair. This is exactly the time to speak up," directly urging business leaders to take a stand.

Insights:

• The discussion highlights the critical role that both leaders and citizens play in maintaining democratic institutions and opposing autocratic measures.
• By fostering robust civic engagement and moral leadership, society can better resist the divisive and destructive forces of polarization and political violence.

6. Wins and Fails: Reflecting on Recent Events

Overview:
In the concluding segment, Kara and Scott share their personal "wins and fails," offering a lighter take amidst the heavy topics discussed.

Key Points:

• Personal Wins:

  • Scott praises the Israeli Defense Forces' (IDF) recent actions against Iran as making the world safer.
  • Both commend the "No Kings" protests for their creativity and high civic engagement rates.

• Personal Fails:

  • Scott humorously critiques the movie "Lilo and Stitch," which he initially disliked but later enjoyed despite its box office success.

Notable Quotes:

• Kara Swisher [62:35]: "Look, we're not going to regain the White House with a Democratic Party that is less popular than a party headed by a fascist."
• Scott Galloway [69:43]: "I'm going to order the club sandwich, but go ahead," humorously referencing hotel dining experiences.

Insights:

• The personal anecdotes serve to humanize the hosts and provide a relatable balance to the intense discussions on political turmoil and societal challenges.
• Their reflections emphasize the importance of finding moments of joy and personal achievement amidst broader societal issues.

Conclusion

In this episode of Pivot, Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway navigate through a tumultuous landscape of political violence, failed displays of power, and escalating international conflicts. They juxtapose the destructive actions of a former president and the contrasting strength of grassroots movements advocating for democracy and peace. The hosts call for robust leadership and active civic engagement, urging both leaders and everyday citizens to take decisive actions to protect democratic values and counter rising autocratic tendencies. Through insightful analysis and poignant discussions, the episode underscores the fragile state of modern democracy and the collective effort required to preserve it.

Final Notable Quote:

• Scott Galloway [74:33]: "Support for Pivot comes from WhatsApp... Visit WhatsApp.com/privacy to learn more," concluding with a nod to secure communications in a polarized era.

Listeners who missed the episode can gain comprehensive insights into the pressing issues of political violence, civic movements, and international conflicts, all underscored by the persistent call for unity and responsible leadership.