Mapping the New Right w/ Jon Askonas

Erik Torenberg and Jon Askonas talk about the emerging political realignment in tech, specifically how Silicon Valley has shifted away from Democrats. They discuss the "tech right," its relationship with MAGA and "MAHA" (Make America Healthy Again) movements, potential tensions within this new coalition, and how Democrats might respond to their 2024 electoral defeat.

Check out the interviews Erik mentions in this episode:

• Ezra Klein on Supply-side Progressivism, Polarization, and What Silicon Valley Misses About Politics: https://open.spotify.com/episode/36vTPPcpisMVXSgq9bnj1w
• The Future of Crypto with Brian Armstrong, CEO of Coinbase: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1EeTFGKxYuDojR5kvqpCyt

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RECOMMENDED IN THIS EPISODE:

Jon's recently published pieces:

• Tech for Trump: https://www.city-journal.org/article/tech-for-trump
• The New Control Society: https://www.thenewatlantis.com/publications/the-new-control-society

Erik's substack: https://eriktorenberg.substack.com/ 

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X / TWITTER:

@JonAskonas

@eriktorenberg

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RECOMMENDED PODCAST: Second Opinion

🎙️ Join Christina Farr, Ash Zenooz and Luba Greenwood as they bring influential entrepreneurs, experts and investors into the ring for candid conversations at the frontlines of healthcare and digital health every week.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A8NwQE976s32zdBbZw6bv

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/second-opinion-with-christina-farr-ash-zenooz-md-luba/id1759267211

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SecondOpinionwithChristinaFarr

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HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE:

• Jon discusses Silicon Valley's shift away from Democrats, pointing to tech leaders like Zuckerberg, Nadella, and Bezos appearing at Trump's inauguration.
• The "tech right" is explained as one of three pillars of the new right coalition, alongside MAGA and "MAHA" (Make America Healthy Again).
• Jon identifies key factors driving tech's rightward shift: frustration with Democratic regulations affecting crypto, AI, and energy production; COVID governance failures; and cultural issues.
• The podcast examines potential tensions within this coalition, particularly around immigration and transhumanism, where tech interests may conflict with MAGA priorities.
• Jon analyzes how the new right coalition is united by opposition to "the Cathedral" (establishment institutions) rather than external threats.
• They discuss Project 2025 and "DOGE" (Department of Government Efficiency) as attempts to dismantle bureaucracy and bring transparency to government spending.
• The conversation explores how Democrats might respond, including moderating on culture war issues and adopting an "abundance agenda."