The Slow Newscast

Ackman: A billionaire’s war on woke

Feb 13, 2024

Bill Ackman, a billionaire hedge fund manager and spearheading a broader backlash against 'woke' politics, discusses his successful campaign to topple Harvard’s first black leader, his battle of ideas sparked by Hamas's attacks on Israel, and the controversy surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion.

35:20

Creator website

Episode guests

Bill Ackman

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Wealthy individuals like Bill Ackman can exercise significant influence in shaping prestigious institutions.

Billionaires like Bill Ackman challenge the focus on diversity and inclusion, arguing against reverse discrimination.

Deep dives

The Battle of the Billionaires: A Feud on Wall Street

The podcast episode recounts a famous feud between two hedge fund billionaires, Bill Ackman and Carl Icahn, over the company Herbalife. The heated exchange occurs on live television at CNBC, with insults and personal attacks thrown at each other. The battle becomes known as the 'Battle of the Billionaires' and highlights the power and influence of wealthy individuals on Wall Street.

Introduction

4min

Billionaire Activist Investor Upset with Harvard

15min

Bill Ackman's Campaign Against Claudine Gay and America's "Wokeness"

6min

The Impact of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

9min

The Influence of Wealthy Individuals in Politics and Universities

4min

Bill Ackman, a billionaire hedge fund manager, campaigned successfully to topple Harvard’s first black leader, Claudine Gay, in a row over anti-semitism. But his mission is much grander, he’s spearheading a broader backlash against ‘woke’ politics that is energising the American right, fracturing the left and upending society.

Since the recording of this podcast, Yashcha Mounk has been accused, on X, of sexual assault and suspended from the editorial board of Die Zeit and by The Atlantic magazine. He has “categorically “ denied the allegation.

To find out more about Tortoise:

Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists

Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.

The Slow Newscast

Ackman: A billionaire’s war on woke

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

The Battle of the Billionaires: A Feud on Wall Street

Bill Ackman's Campaign Against Harvard

Bill Ackman's Critique of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Bill Ackman's Emergence as a Political Power Player

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts