"Upstream" with Erik Torenberg

E112: Election Update, Tech’s Political Shift, and America’s Stuck GDP | This Won’t Last

Jan 25, 2025
Keith Rabois and Kevin Ryan dive into the shifting political landscape post-2020, highlighting Trump's newfound tech support and the complexities following the election. They discuss immigration policy's intertwining with national debt, the rising crime dynamics in New York City, and the impact of political affiliations on the tech industry. The conversation goes further into energy challenges for tech companies, revealing how political discourse shapes their operations and the ongoing demand for engineering talent amid evolving corporate interests.
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ANECDOTE

Predicting Elections

  • Keith Rabois accurately predicted Trump's win, popular vote percentage increase, and Florida's landslide outcome.
  • He emphasizes first-principles thinking and anecdotal evidence over flawed political polling.
INSIGHT

Trump's Evolution

  • Trump has become more disciplined and on-message, similar to Steve Jobs' transformation after leaving Apple.
  • Reflecting on past experiences has led to a better Trump, promising a better administration.
INSIGHT

Illegal Immigration's Economic Impact

  • Illegal immigration poses a complex challenge, impacting both the economy and social issues.
  • While contributing to the economy through spending, they don't receive federal benefits like Social Security or Medicare.
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