Representative Ro Khanna on Elon Musk and the Tech Oligarchy
Jan 10, 2025
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Ro Khanna, a progressive US Representative from California's Silicon Valley, shares his insights on the growing influence of tech moguls like Elon Musk. He warns that this tech oligarchy threatens democracy and public interests. Khanna advocates for a return to trust among working-class voters, emphasizing the need for reform to curb money's sway in elections. He defines himself as a progressive capitalist, believing that real economic growth should involve entrepreneurship and tech leaders working as part of the solution, not against the state.
Representative Ro Khanna emphasizes the need for Democrats to regain trust with working-class voters by addressing economic inequalities and showcasing empathy.
Khanna critiques the technocratic ideology of Silicon Valley, arguing it contributes to a dangerous oligarchy that undermines the role of government in supporting citizens.
Deep dives
The Power Shift in Congress
A new Congress has been inaugurated under a conservative trifecta, yet the Republican Party's margin is notably slim, making it vulnerable to losing critical votes when passing legislation. Mike Johnson's rapid rise to Speaker amidst fiscal disputes highlights the Republican struggles. Meanwhile, Democrats are reflecting on their losses and engaging in a blame game regarding the election outcome related to Donald Trump. Representative Ro Khanna emphasizes the need for the Democratic Party to regain trust with economically struggling voters, especially as they analyze their past missteps.
The Role of Silicon Valley in Politics
Ro Khanna discusses the evolution of Silicon Valley's technocratic ideology, which often views government as an impediment to progress. Many affluent tech leaders, fearing punitive actions from a Trump administration, are reluctant to oppose administration policies that could negatively impact their companies. Khanna points out that this mindset contributes to a growing oligarchy, as the influence of tech billionaires expands unchecked. The disconnect between Silicon Valley's prosperity and the struggles of long-term residents, who feel neglected and angry, complicates the political landscape.
The 'Woke' Debate and Democratic Values
The conversation around 'wokeism' is framed by Khanna as a call for respect among citizens, regardless of their background, while acknowledging that the term is often misused politically. He asserts that while there are instances of excess, the Democratic Party's commitment to basic respect in discourse should not be diminished. However, the Democratic Party has failed to adequately convey empathy towards those suffering economically, especially among traditional working-class communities. This failure has led to a perception of elitism among Democrats, which Khanna aims to counter by advocating for policies addressing economic inequalities.
The Future of Economic Policies
Khanna envisions a Democratic strategy that focuses on amalgamating economic growth with social policies, proposing a progressive capitalist approach rather than a purely socialist one. He insists on empowering communities through job creation in industries like advanced manufacturing and technology, while advocating for higher taxes on the ultra-wealthy to fund essential services. The dialogue shifts toward confronting challenges posed by Trump’s administration, especially in maintaining the welfare of vulnerable populations. Ultimately, Khanna calls for a cohesive Democratic message that contrasts sharply with Trump's economic promises, ensuring that the party addresses the broader needs of disenfranchised citizens.
Representative Ro Khanna of California is in the Democrats’ Congressional Progressive Caucus. And although his district is in the heart of Silicon Valley—and he once worked as a lawyer for tech companies—Khanna is focussed on how Democrats can regain the trust of working-class voters. He knows tech moguls, he talks with them regularly, and he thinks that they are forming a dangerous oligarchy, to the detriment of everyone else. “This is more dangerous than petty corruption. This is more dangerous than, ‘Hey, they just want to maximize their corporation's wealth,’ ”he tells David Remnick. “This is an ideology amongst some that rejects the role of the state.” Although he’s an ally of Bernie Sanders, such as advocating for Medicare for All and free public college, Khanna is not a democratic socialist. He calls himself a progressive capitalist. Real economic growth, he says, requires “a belief in entrepreneurship and technology and in business leaders being part of the solution.”
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