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KQED's Forum

How Silicon Valley Became the ‘New Lobbying Monster’

Oct 29, 2024
Charles Duhigg, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of "Supercommunicators" and "The Power of Habit," delves into the overwhelming influence of Silicon Valley on American politics. He discusses how Big Tech is pouring millions into super PACs to sway elections, particularly around crypto and AI. Duhigg highlights aggressive ad campaigns and lobbying tactics used to shape regulatory environments. He warns about the implications of tech's newfound political power, raising questions about democracy and the future of electoral integrity.
57:43

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Quick takeaways

  • Big Tech's significant financial contributions to super PACs have transformed it into a formidable lobbying force in American politics.
  • The collaboration of cryptocurrency advocates using aggressive campaigns against unsupportive candidates highlights a strategic and influential approach to political contributions.

Deep dives

Silicon Valley's Political Awakening

The tech industry has increasingly engaged in politics, marking a shift from its historically detached stance. Prominent companies, especially within the cryptocurrency sector, have learned to influence elections through substantial donations to super PACs. By focusing on candidates who align with their interests, these industries have become a powerful lobbying force, spending hundreds of millions in recent election cycles. Notably, key events, such as Proposition F related to Airbnb, have catalyzed this political involvement by demonstrating the direct impact of legislation on their business operations.

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