On with Kara Swisher cover image

On with Kara Swisher

Why We Can’t Quit Elon with Ronan Farrow & William Cohan

Aug 24, 2023
Join Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ronan Farrow and financial expert William Cohan as they dissect Elon Musk's overwhelming influence on national security and business. Farrow dives into his New Yorker profile on Musk, revealing the tech mogul's unprecedented control over vital infrastructure. Cohan sheds light on the financial ups and downs of SpaceX, Tesla, and Twitter. The discussion also navigates Musk's accountability, the challenges of concentrated power, and how his ways spark both innovation and controversy in today's world.
55:26

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Concerns about the concentration of power in Elon Musk's hands and the role of government oversight in his ventures.
  • Questions surrounding the sustainability of SpaceX and Tesla's valuations and Musk's decision-making in the face of growing competition.

Deep dives

Power and Influence in Elon Musk's World

Elon Musk's sphere of influence spans multiple industries, including space exploration with SpaceX, electric vehicles with Tesla, and social media with Twitter. While he has brought significant innovation and progress in these areas, there are growing concerns about the concentration of power in his hands. Musk's control over critical infrastructure and key technologies raises questions about the role of government oversight and the potential risks of private monopolies. Many influential figures within his fields have voiced these concerns, but it remains to be seen if they can effectively hold Musk accountable. With his recent political views and erratic behavior, there is skepticism about his ability to redeem himself. While shareholders have some sway over him, the broader dynamics of wealth accumulation and the current political landscape make it challenging for any meaningful change to occur.

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