Coming up Trump: our election model puts Harris behind
Oct 24, 2024
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In this engaging discussion, Simon Wright, Industry editor at The Economist, dives into Elon Musk's ambitious robotaxi plans, pointing out the hurdles ahead in the autonomous vehicle market. Shardash Chitnas, a global business writer, reflects on the timeless appeal of Microsoft Excel, revealing why it remains a mainstay in professional life despite new technologies. With the political landscape tightening between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, the guests also explore the intricacies and unpredictability of election forecasting.
Recent polling indicates a shift in the U.S. presidential race, favoring Trump over Harris, impacting their election strategies.
Elon Musk's ambitions for self-driving taxis face skepticism and competition despite the recent launch of Tesla's robo-taxi model.
Deep dives
Elon Musk's Ambitions in the Electric Vehicle Market
Elon Musk's involvement in the electric vehicle industry extends beyond his well-known ventures such as SpaceX and Twitter, as he is also heavily invested in self-driving taxis. The recent launch of Tesla's robo-taxi showcased a vehicle designed to operate without a driver, featuring a sleek design and a price point under $30,000. However, despite the excitement, skepticism surrounds Musk's ambitious timeline, as he had previously promised a million robo-taxis by 2020, with no evidence of that vision realized. Current competition from established players like Waymo and Cruise presents significant challenges, as they have already deployed functioning self-driving fleets in major cities, raising questions about Tesla's ability to capture market share in this evolving landscape.
Shifts in U.S. Presidential Election Dynamics
Recent polling data indicates a notable shift in the U.S. presidential election, with Donald Trump gaining ground against Kamala Harris in a tightly contested race. As of now, Trump holds a 56% probability of winning, marking a substantial change from previous weeks when Harris was favored. Factors contributing to this shift include the decline of undecided and third-party voters, which has skewed support toward Trump, particularly in critical swing states. This evolving dynamic suggests a competitive race, influencing strategies as both candidates prepare for the upcoming election.
The Enduring Appeal of Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Excel, now celebrating its 40th year, remains a beloved tool despite its reputation for cryptic error messages and complexities that frustrate many users. Its flexibility and enhancements over decades, such as a graphical interface and efficient cell calculations, have solidified its place as a dominant spreadsheet software with around 400 million paying users. However, Excel has faced significant errors over the years, including a notable incident where COVID test results were lost due to a limitation in an older version of the software. As artificial intelligence technology evolves, instead of replacing Excel, it is likely to enhance its capabilities, allowing users to engage with data using natural language prompts, ensuring its relevance in a rapidly changing tech landscape.
The two American presidential candidates have been neck and neck. But this week, the Economist’s forecast model noted a shift towards Donald Trump. Why you might have a long wait for Elon Musk’s robotaxis (9:31). And the joy of Excel (16:35).
