On with Kara Swisher Elon Musk: Somebody That I Used to Know
Sep 4, 2023
Dive into the intriguing evolution of Elon Musk's persona and his complex relationship with the media. Hear personal anecdotes from a journalist who admired him as a visionary but grew critical over time. Explore Musk's interactions with politics and his strategic responses to media scrutiny. Gain insights into his surprising acquisition of Twitter and its implications. The conversation balances admiration and frustration, revealing a multifaceted view of one of tech's most controversial figures.
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Dinner ambush
- Kara Swisher and Walt Mossberg cornered Elon Musk at a private dinner during South by Southwest.
- They persisted in their request, finally securing an interview after Swisher brought in Mossberg, whom Musk respected.
Filling the EV void
- Elon Musk's motivation for starting Tesla wasn't solely financial gain, he saw a gap in the market.
- Incumbent car manufacturers weren't pursuing electric vehicles, so he felt compelled to act.
Times review
- Elon Musk reacted strongly to a negative New York Times review of the Tesla Model S, claiming it was fake.
- He linked the review to decreased sales, demonstrating his sensitivity to press coverage.
