Pivot Podcast Episode Summary: "Trump's Rally, Bezos Backlash, and Guest Daniel Lubetzky"

Hosted by Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway from New York Magazine, the "Pivot" podcast delves into the most pressing issues in tech, business, and politics. In this episode, they discuss the contentious Trump rally, the Washington Post and Los Angeles Times' editorial decisions, Elon Musk's national security concerns, immigration policies, Michelle Obama's impactful speech, California's film tax incentives, and feature Daniel Lubetzky's initiative to combat toxic polarization.

1. Trump's Rally: Racism, Sexism, and Strategic Missteps

Timestamp: 04:00 - 10:23

Kara and Scott dissect former President Donald Trump's recent rally at Madison Square Garden, highlighting the event's controversial content and its potential impact on the upcoming election.

• Racist and Sexist Remarks: The rally featured speeches laden with derogatory comments towards various communities, including Puerto Ricans, Jews, and Hispanics. Notably, comedian Tony Hinchcliffe's offensive joke about Puerto Rico was deemed tactically disastrous.

  Kara Swisher [05:21]: "When you have 400,000 Puerto Ricans in Pennsylvania, insulting them was a self-inflicted injury the Trump campaign did not need."

• Comparisons to Historical Events: Scott likened the rally to a "1939 Nazi rally," emphasizing its divisive and offensive nature.

  Scott Galloway [05:21]: "It felt like that 1939 Nazi rally... very strange."

• Impact on Voter Perception: The derogatory comments are likely to alienate undecided voters and energize opposition, potentially swinging crucial votes towards Kamala Harris.

  Scott Galloway [07:59]: "This could literally decide who's president."

2. Washington Post and Los Angeles Times' Editorial Controversies

Timestamp: 13:00 - 19:12

The hosts explore the backlash faced by major newspapers for their recent editorial decisions not to endorse any presidential candidate, a move that has led to resignations and accusations of undue influence by their owners.

• Endorsement Withdrawal: Both the Washington Post and Los Angeles Times backed out of endorsing Kamala Harris, despite having prepared endorsements in advance.

  Kara Swisher [14:22]: "Will Lewis keeps lying over and over again saying he didn't read the endorsement. It doesn't matter if he read it."

• Ownership Influence: Speculation arises that Jeff Bezos, owner of the Washington Post, exerted pressure to prevent the publication of the endorsement, damaging the paper's credibility.

  Scott Galloway [15:09]: "This is arguably the worst hit to Bezos brand in a long, long time. He looks terrible here."

• Editorial Board Resignations: Members of the editorial boards have resigned in protest, citing compromised integrity and inability to stand by their prepared endorsements.

  Kara Swisher [19:12]: "That's a real fail from them."

3. Elon Musk and National Security Concerns

Timestamp: 21:42 - 24:44

The conversation shifts to Elon Musk's interactions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and the implications for national security.

• Unauthorized Negotiations: Musk reportedly engaged directly with Putin without consulting the White House, raising alarms about potential conflicts of interest and security risks.

  Scott Galloway [22:26]: "I don't want Elon Musk negotiating battlefield communications technology directly with Putin."

• Government Response: There is a call for the Department of Defense and other federal bodies to establish protocols to prevent business leaders from bypassing governmental channels in international affairs.

  Scott Galloway [22:58]: "Our Department of Defense... need to crisply move against anybody who decides to insert themselves."

4. Immigration Policies and Hypocrisy

Timestamp: 24:44 - 27:49

Kara and Scott critique the current administration's stance on immigration, highlighting the contradictions and inefficiencies in policy enforcement.

• Hypocrisy in Policy Enforcement: Musk's own history of visa violations contrasts sharply with his public stance against illegal immigration.

  Kara Swisher [25:04]: "He was an illegal. He has talked about it. I've heard him talk about it."

• Economic Impact of Illegal Immigration: Scott discusses the economic benefits of illegal immigrants, such as their role as a flexible and inexpensive workforce that contributes to various industries without burdening public services.

  Scott Galloway [26:35]: "They pay taxes and are this flexible, inexpensive workforce."

5. Michelle Obama's Powerful Election Speech

Timestamp: 33:13 - 36:25

Michelle Obama delivered a compelling speech at a Michigan rally, urging voters to consider the broader implications of their electoral choices on women's health and societal treatment.

• Call to Action for Men: Obama directly addressed male voters, emphasizing their role in protecting women and advocating for a modern form of masculinity centered around protection and support.

  Kara Swisher [34:17]: "If we don't get this election right, your wife, your daughter, we as women will become collateral damage to your rage."

• Emotional Appeal: She painted a vivid picture of the potential personal consequences if certain political outcomes prevail, aiming to resonate deeply with voters' familial and emotional ties.

  Scott Galloway [34:17]: "There is no one who is, is who we are set up to protect or have more of an obligation to protect than the mothers, the spouses and the daughters in our life."

6. California's Film Tax Incentives and Production Decline

Timestamp: 37:00 - 41:24

Governor Gavin Newsom announced a significant increase in California's film tax credits to rejuvenate the state's declining production numbers, which have been migrating to states like Georgia and countries like Canada.

• Economic Rationale: The expanded tax credits are projected to generate substantial economic output, increase gross domestic product, and boost wages and state tax revenues.

  Scott Galloway [38:54]: "For every tax credit dollar allocated, California benefited from at least $24 in economic output."

• Competitive Strategy: By enhancing tax incentives, California aims to retain and attract film productions, leveraging its unparalleled talent pool and existing infrastructure.

  Kara Swisher [38:03]: "They supersized it... which is an easy one. It's a great idea."

7. Guest Segment: Daniel Lubetzky on Builders Movement

Timestamp: 42:33 - 63:29

Daniel Lubetzky, founder of Kind Snacks and the Builders Movement, joins the hosts to discuss his initiative aimed at addressing and reducing toxic polarization in society.

• Builders vs. Dividers: The Builders Movement categorizes politicians and leaders based on their ability to unite and solve problems versus those who foster division and conflict.

  Daniel Lubetzky [43:04]: "We want to transform this us versus them mentality with a problem-solving mindset and toolkit."

• Power Rankings: Lubetzky introduced the Builders Power Rankings, which use AI to evaluate politicians weekly, assessing their bipartisan efforts and constructive behaviors.

  Daniel Lubetzky [43:51]: "We use AI to scour all resources... to see whether people are actually introducing bipartisan legislation."

• Media Influence: He critiques the media's role in perpetuating polarization by disproportionately covering divisive figures from both sides, thereby ignoring genuine bridge-builders.

  Daniel Lubetzky [49:34]: "The media that leans Democrat covers all the crazies from the right. The media that leans right covers all the ones on the left."

• Personal Background: Lubetzky shares his journey from building peace initiatives in the Middle East to founding the Builders Movement, emphasizing the need for compassion, creativity, curiosity, and courage in politics.

  Daniel Lubetzky [50:57]: "A builder, a person that uses compassion, creativity, curiosity, and courage... apply when we're building bridges."

8. Wins and Fails in the Current Political Landscape

Timestamp: 67:22 - 73:53

Kara and Scott reflect on recent political events, identifying key successes and shortcomings.

• Scott's Fail: He criticizes the Republican strategy of insulting vulnerable communities, deeming it a tactical error that could cost them the election.

  Scott Galloway [67:25]: "Insulting a community that could play a huge part in the election."

• Scott's Win: He commends Michelle Obama's speech, highlighting its powerful messaging and appeal to men’s sense of protection and responsibility.

  Scott Galloway [68:47]: "I thought Michelle Obama's comments were very powerful."

• Kara's Fail: She lambasts the Washington Post's editorial leadership for resignations and compromised integrity, especially under Jeff Bezos' ownership.

  Kara Swisher [68:47]: "My fail is the Washington Post editorial leaders."

• Kara's Win: Observes the thoughtful consideration of independent voters who are carefully weighing their options beyond polarized rhetoric.

  Scott Galloway [73:00]: "I'm very heartened by listening to [independent voters]."

9. Closing Remarks and Light-hearted Banter

Timestamp: 73:46 - 74:32

The episode concludes with the hosts sharing humorous exchanges about Halloween costumes and expressing appreciation for their guest, Daniel Lubetzky.

Notable Quotes:

• Kara Swisher: "What does this have to do? You don't have to talk to the campaign." [08:08]

• Scott Galloway: "I can't find mine, so I can't." [19:50]

• Daniel Lubetzky: "We have a big incentive... for both parties to try to divide the spoils and stay in power." [56:45]

Conclusion

In this episode, Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway provide incisive commentary on the current political climate, scrutinizing strategies that perpetuate division and highlighting efforts aimed at fostering unity. Featuring insights from Daniel Lubetzky, the discussion underscores the urgent need for bipartisan collaboration and the cultivation of a builder's mindset to navigate the nation's challenges.

For more insights and discussions, subscribe to "Pivot" on your preferred podcast platform or visit nymag.com/pivot.