The Pete Quiñones Show The 'Robber Barons' Who Tried to Save America w/ Stormy Waters - Complete
Jan 7, 2026
Stormy Waters, a managing partner at a venture capital firm and political commentator, dives into the history of American elites and their influence on politics. He argues that past industrialists admired fascist models and discusses the implications of the Business Plot. Waters critiques the erosion of WASP financial power due to New Deal reforms and laments the loss of aristocratic duty among modern elites. He weighs in on geopolitical energy dependencies and the misunderstood legacy of figures like Charles Lindbergh, advocating for genuine commitment over performative politics.
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Industrialists Built Lasting Public Wealth
- Stormy argues that Gilded Age industrialists built unprecedented national wealth and public institutions that benefited broad society.
- He says their civic duty mindset contrasted with today's elites who prioritize private gain over public legacy.
Business Leaders Studied Fascist Revival Models
- Stormy describes industrialists sending agents to study fascist governments to learn how they revived nations after the Depression.
- He asserts these businessmen admired authoritarian economic recovery, inspiring plans like the Business Plot.
A Near‑Miss Fascist Coup In U.S. History
- Stormy says the Business Plot nearly installed a fascist government in the U.S. but was thwarted by Smedley Butler's revelations.
- He stresses history has mostly erased this episode and its players.
