Brody Mullins, a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter and co-author of "The Wolves of K Street," explores the intricate world of lobbying as it intertwines with American politics. He discusses how lobbyists, rather than political parties, often determine election outcomes, shedding light on corporate influence across administrations. Mullins delves into the evolution of lobbying since the 1970s, revealing its impact on society, and highlights the growing skepticism toward big business. The conversation raises crucial questions about the future of capitalism in an evolving political landscape.
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insights INSIGHT
Lobbying Evolution
Businesses initially focused on defensively combating regulations.
They later realized they could proactively shape regulations to harm competitors.
question_answer ANECDOTE
The Tamiflu Stockpile
Evan Morris, a Genentech lobbyist, stoked fears about the avian flu.
This led to a $2 billion government stockpile of Tamiflu, benefiting Roche.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Academia's Role in Lobbying
Google-funded academic Joshua Wright advocated for less antitrust enforcement.
He used his academic credentials while being paid by tech companies.
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The Secret History of How Big Money Took Over Big Government
Luke Mullins
Brody Mullins
The Wolves of K Street offers a detailed and engaging portrait of how corporate power and lobbying have grown in influence over the past fifty years in Washington. The book follows the stories of several prominent lobbyists, illustrating how corporations have gained significant control over public policy, often surpassing the influence of the president and Congress. It also explores how reforms have inadvertently strengthened the power and secrecy of corporate lobbyists, shifting their focus from Congress to voters nationwide. The narrative is described as irresistibly dramatic, spectacularly timely, and meticulously researched, making it essential reading for understanding the impact of corporate interests on American democracy.
As the United States elections draw near, everyone is wondering who will take control of Washington next. In this week’s Capitalisn’t episode, Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Brody Mullins reveals how the real winner will be neither Democrats nor Republicans. Rather, it will be the lobbyists.
Mullins is the co-author (along with his brother Luke, also an investigative reporter) of The Wolves of K Street: The Secret History of How Big Money Took Over Big Government. Brody joins Bethany and Luigi to discuss how corporations ranging from Genentech to Google participate in the invisible but massively influential lobbying industry to bend government policy toward their favor. Together, the three trace the roots and evolution of political lobbying from the 1970s to now and explore how it penetrates and leverages other spheres of society to abet its operations. How are academia and the media complicit in this ecosystem of influence operations? How has lobbying adapted to the changing attitudes of Americans towards Big Business? How might it change under either a Harris or Trump administration and beyond?
Episode Notes: Luigi mentions the transformational work of one figure in American politics who fought back against lobbyists’ substantial influence: consumer advocate Ralph Nader. Revisit our prior conversation and episode with Mr. Nader.
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