Invested by Aleph

Bradley Tusk on How to Save Democracy Before it’s Too Late, the Problem With Our Political Structures, and the Power of Mobile Voting

Sep 25, 2024

Bradley Tusk, a venture capitalist and political strategist, advocates for mobile voting as a crucial solution to save democracy. He discusses the threats posed by gerrymandering and low voter turnout, emphasizing the need for reforms to enhance public engagement. Tusk explores how mobile voting could address political polarization and improve participation, particularly for marginalized groups. He also highlights the challenges of corruption in government and the potential of AI in creating transparent electoral processes, urging for a careful balance between innovation and regulation.

01:10:35

Episode guests

Bradley Tusk

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The current political climate in the U.S. prioritizes self-preservation over the public good, leading to extremist influences in policy-making.

Mobile voting is proposed as a transformative solution to increase voter participation, especially among younger generations reliant on technology.

Gerrymandering and the overwhelming influence of special interest groups hinder a representative democracy, necessitating urgent systemic reform to ensure broader electorate needs are met.

Deep dives

The Risks Facing Democracy

Democracy is currently perceived to be at risk in the U.S., primarily due to the political climate that prioritizes self-preservation over the public good. Politicians often prioritize their next election, leading to decisions that favor extreme special interest groups—especially in low-turnout primaries dominated by ideologically driven voters. This phenomenon exacerbates polarization, as those who vote in these elections tend to be more extreme, while the average citizen's voice is drowned out. Consequently, this creates a political landscape where policy decisions are skewed away from the wider populace's needs, fostering disillusionment with governmental effectiveness.

Intro

2min

Risks and Reforms in American Democracy

13min

Navigating Polarization: Tech and Voting in Democracy

30min

The Impact of Corruption on Government Procurement and the Promise of AI Solutions

1min

Navigating Mobile Voting and Immigration Policies

11min

Navigating AI Regulations and Geopolitics

7min

Exploring Jewish Principles and Moral Living

7min

On this episode of Invested, Michael hosts Bradley Tusk, a venture capitalist, political strategist, philanthropist, and the author of “Vote With Your Phone: Why Mobile Voting Is Our Final Shot At Saving Democracy.”

Bradley’s family foundation is funding and leading the national campaign to bring mobile voting to all U.S. elections. Tusk Philanthropies also runs and funds anti-hunger campaigns that have led to the creation of anti-hunger policies and programs (including universal school breakfast programs) in 22 different states, helping to feed over 12.5 million people.

Before Vote With Your Phone, Bradley authored “The Fixer: My Adventures Saving Startups

From Death by Politics” and “Obvious in Hindsight.” He hosts a podcast called Firewall about the intersection of tech and politics and recently opened an independent bookstore, P&T Knitwear, on Manhattan's Lower East Side.

Bradley is currently the Managing Partner and Co-founder of Tusk Ventures, the world’s first

venture capital fund that invests solely in early stage startups in highly regulated industries, and

the founder of political consulting firm Tusk Strategies. He is also an adjunct professor at

Columbia Business School.

Previously, Bradley served as campaign manager for Mike Bloomberg’s 2009 mayoral race, as Deputy Governor of Illinois, overseeing the state’s budget, operations, legislation, policy and communications, as communications director for US Senator Chuck Schumer, and as Uber’s first political advisor.

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