Decoder with Nilay Patel
The rise of shadow lobbying and its influence on decades of US policy
Jun 27, 2024
Brody Mullins, a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter and co-author of "The Wolves of K Street," dives into the evolution of lobbying since the 1970s. He reveals how corporate influence and shadow lobbying tactics transformed American politics, exposing the shift from transparent practices to opaque power plays. The discussion also highlights the rise of dark money and its impact on legislative representation, as well as the implications of grassroots movements contrasting with traditional lobbying in the tech sector. History intertwines with current dynamics, especially under Donald Trump's era.
45:53
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Quick takeaways
- Shadow lobbying reshaped US politics post-1970s by empowering corporations over interest groups.
- Corporate lobbying peaked in the 1970s, shifting power from government to businesses.
Deep dives
Evolution of Lobbying in America
Lobbying in American politics has evolved significantly over the years. The podcast episode traces the transformation of lobbying from a regulated and disclosed activity to a more diffuse form, known as shadow lobbying. This shift has led to increased influence by corporations and reduced power for other interest groups like labor unions and consumer advocacy groups. With Paul Manafort and Donald Trump representing a centralized power approach, the system may see further changes in power dynamics.
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