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Master Plan

The Powell Memo

Sep 3, 2024
Discover the intriguing legacy of Lewis Powell Jr., a seemingly moderate Supreme Court Justice linked to corporate manipulation. Dive into the shocking Powell Memo, which reveals strategies for corporate dominance in politics. Explore how the tobacco industry's tactics shaped Powell's career and the dramatic marketing campaigns they employed. Uncover the political maneuvers behind Powell's confirmation and the ongoing implications of his judicial decisions that continue to influence American business practices today.
53:39

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The Powell Memo, written before his Supreme Court confirmation, advocated for aggressive corporate political engagement to counter leftist movements.
  • Despite Lewis Powell's moderate public image, his actions on the Supreme Court revealed a clear bias towards consolidating corporate power.

Deep dives

The Lewis Powell Celebration

An exclusive event held for Lewis F. Powell Jr. marked his confirmation to the Supreme Court. The celebration, hosted by Philip Morris, included a re-enactment featuring prominent figures like Walter Cronkite. This gathering underscored Powell's close ties to tobacco companies, as he had been instrumental in guiding their legal strategies amid growing public health scrutiny. The memorable moment was highlighted by the presentation of a humorous Marlboro-emblazoned robe to Powell, emphasizing the corporate connection at play.

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