The Focus Group Podcast: S5 Ep6 - "Will the Real POTUS Please Stand Up?" with Kara Swisher

Release Date: February 22, 2025
Host: Sarah Longwell
*Guest: Kara Swisher, Host of "On with Kara Swisher," "Pivot with Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway," and Author of Burn Book

Introduction

In the sixth episode of the fifth season of The Focus Group Podcast, Sarah Longwell delves into the burgeoning influence of Elon Musk in American politics. Joined by esteemed journalist Kara Swisher, the conversation explores how Musk's involvement mirrors and diverges from former President Donald Trump's political maneuvers, and what this means for both Biden and Trump voters.

The Rise of Elon Musk in Politics

Sarah Longwell initiates the discussion by comparing Musk's ascent to political prominence with Trump's rise, emphasizing Musk's deep-rooted presence in the cultural zeitgeist through his ventures like Tesla and SpaceX.

"Like Trump, this guy was part of our cultural zeitgeist long before he came to Washington..."
— Sarah Longwell [02:13]

Kara Swisher breaks down the shift in Silicon Valley's political alignment, highlighting how Musk and similar figures have swayed traditionally non-political communities towards more conservative or disruption-focused ideologies.

"They started to perceive a Democratic Party that was meddling with them too much..."
— Kara Swisher [03:05]

Voters' Perceptions of Musk

Through extensive focus groups, Sarah and Kara uncover that many voters admire Musk for his efficiency and contrarian approach, viewing him as a refreshing alternative to traditional politicians.

"He’ll make an impact. Even not having a cabinet position or a formal position with the government..."
— Elon Musk [13:03]

However, there is a palpable distrust among voters regarding Musk's intentions and the potential consequences of his unorthodox methods.

"I don't trust Elon Musk. I think he is somebody who likes to manipulate the stock market..."
— Voter [22:27]

The Relationship Between Musk and Trump

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the alliance between Musk and Trump. Kara Swisher speculates about the dynamics of their relationship and the potential ramifications if it sours.

"He’s a very useful monster for Trump. Until he does something to Trump."
— Kara Swisher [49:02]

Elon Musk's own commentary reflects a cautious optimism tempered by concerns over governance and personal ambition.

"I like the fact that he’s bringing in a new, I guess you would say, technology side..."
— Elon Musk [13:03]

Voter Concerns and Anxieties

The episode highlights several voter anxieties related to Musk's political influence, including fears of excessive power concentration and the potential misuse of government data for artificial intelligence advancements.

"He wants the data so his AI will be bigger than other AIs."
— Kara Swisher [35:00]

Additionally, there's concern over Musk's unpredictable behavior and its impact on governance stability.

"He’s so smart, he can buy his way out of these things."
— Kara Swisher [23:14]

Potential Future Scenarios

Sarah and Kara explore possible future trajectories of Musk's political involvement, contemplating scenarios where his influence either amplifies or leads to significant political upheaval.

"He has so much power and so much influence in the government without having appointed position."
— Elon Musk [47:11]

Kara warns of the dangers posed by Musk's unbridled ambition and his potential to prioritize personal gains over national interests.

"He’s willing to do anything and has the unfettered means to do so. It’s a very dangerous person..."
— Kara Swisher [50:50]

Voters' Mixed Reactions to Musk's Actions

The focus groups reveal a divided electorate: some applaud Musk's decisive actions to eliminate government waste and increase efficiency, while others fear the broader implications of his authoritarian approach.

"He doesn’t care what people think about him. He looks at it from a very analytical point of view."
— Kara Swisher [40:27]

Conversely, critics argue that Musk's methods lack empathy and overlook the government’s essential roles beyond mere efficiency.

"There’s no efficient way to do government in the history of government."
— Kara Swisher [53:12]

Conclusion and Insights

The episode concludes with Sarah Longwell and Kara Swisher reflecting on the complexities of Musk's political involvement. They emphasize the need for the Democratic Party to present a forward-thinking vision that contrasts with Musk and Trump's disruptive tendencies.

"The Democrats have to show what they want to do with this country in a fresh forward-thinking way..."
— Kara Swisher [53:06]

Ultimately, the conversation underscores the delicate balance between leveraging outsider appeal and ensuring responsible governance in an era increasingly influenced by powerful tech moguls.

Notable Quotes:

• "I think he wants the best for the US and the world."
  — Elon Musk [13:03]

• "He’s so smart, he can buy his way out of these things."
  — Kara Swisher [23:14]

• "We need better food for our kids. Who doesn’t want that?"
  — Voter [09:45]

• "He’s very adept at creating a narrative around himself, the Iron Man narrative."
  — Kara Swisher [14:23]

• "I'm not gonna say who it is, but if someone was rude to you and you were upset by it..."
  — Kara Swisher [59:50]

Final Thoughts

The Focus Group Podcast provides a nuanced exploration of Elon Musk's evolving role in American politics. Through insightful dialogue with Kara Swisher and real voter perspectives, the episode sheds light on the complexities and challenges posed by influential tech figures shaping the nation's political landscape.

For more episodes and in-depth discussions, subscribe to The Focus Group Podcast on The Bulwark.