On with Kara Swisher

This week’s guest is John Legend, the multi-award-winning artist and social justice champion. He reflects on his friendship with Kanye West and its unraveling due to antisemitism. John also dives into how TikTok has transformed the music scene, affecting artists' power. He emphasizes his commitment to political activism, expressing concern for the future without any plans to run for office. Meanwhile, Kara passionately critiques Elon Musk’s recent Twitter moves, making her frustration with social media clear as the conversation unfolds.

In this discussion, Matt Levine, a Bloomberg Opinion columnist and creator of the 'MoneyStuff' newsletter, dives into Elon Musk's takeover of Twitter. He speculates on Musk's vision for the platform and how his engineering background might reshape its future. The conversation touches on potential shifts in content moderation, the ramifications for free speech, and even the possibility of reinstating previously banned users like Trump. Levine also examines the financial challenges facing Twitter, alongside the market dynamics affecting its next steps.

Join veteran pollster Frank Luntz, Lincoln Project co-founder Rick Wilson, and Republican strategist Sarah Longwell as they dissect the looming midterm elections. They discuss Trump's considerable impact on the Republican Party and the electoral landscape. The trio debates whether the party can distance itself from MAGA, tackling topics like election integrity and the rise of influential figures like Elon Musk in politics. They also explore the challenges Republican candidates face in a polarized environment and the evolving voter demographics that could sway outcomes.

Jonathan Freedland, a British journalist and author, discusses the political chaos in the UK with the rise of Rishi Sunak and the influence of Rupert Murdoch. Joined by Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, they dive into the disturbing uptick in anti-Semitism and hate speech, fueled by popular figures like Kanye West. They also reflect on Freedland's poignant book about a Holocaust escapee and the pressing need for accountability in social media to combat such rhetoric.

Nouriel Roubini, known as "Dr. Doom," is an NYU professor and hedge fund consultant famed for predicting the 2008 financial crisis. He discusses his new book, highlighting dire forecasts of a stagflationary debt crisis and the flaws of cryptocurrency, which he likens to primitive technology. He also analyzes the rising tensions between the US and China under Xi Jinping's leadership and explores the precarious global economy influenced by ongoing crises. In addition, the conversation touches on the challenges facing women in high-ranking tech positions.

Brian Chesky, co-founder and CEO of Airbnb, discusses navigating challenges like the pandemic, layoffs, and the importance of flexibility in remote work. He opens up about personal loneliness and how it contrasts with professional success. The conversation also tackles the mystery behind Airbnb's cleaning fees and how economic downturns can spark innovation. Additionally, they dive into the impact of digital connections on relationships and the nuances of modern dating, blending personal anecdotes with insightful commentary.

In a lively discussion, William Cohan, journalist and founding partner of Puck, and Scott Galloway, business professor and co-host of Pivot, dissect the impact of Elon Musk's controversial Twitter acquisition. They delve into the financial fallout and challenges of free speech amid instability. With critical insights on Tesla and SpaceX, they debate Musk's evolving public perception. The conversation also touches on the potential return of Trump to Twitter and the broader implications of celebrity ownership in social media.

In this engaging conversation, Steve Case, co-founder of AOL and author of "Rise of the Rest," reflects on the internet's evolution since the 1990s. He shares insights from his book, emphasizing the potential for entrepreneurship to flourish outside major tech hubs. Case and Kara discuss the disparities in venture capital distribution and propose solutions for fostering innovation in underserved communities. They also examine the challenges faced by tech companies today and consider ways to bridge the growing political divides affecting economic growth.

Stacey Abrams, the former minority leader of the Georgia House of Representatives and a Democratic candidate for governor, discusses her rematch against Brian Kemp. She reflects on what makes this campaign different amidst challenging odds. Topics dive into Georgia's changing voter demographics, the importance of community engagement, and the impact of recent political events like abortion rights and racial justice. Abrams emphasizes the significance of effective communication and coalition-building to energize diverse electorates.

In a heartfelt conversation, John Fetterman, Pennsylvania's Lieutenant Governor and Senate candidate, shares his remarkable journey of recovery from a stroke. He discusses how his health has been politicized in his race against Dr. Oz but asserts it won't deter him. Fetterman emphasizes the importance of authentic communication about health struggles in politics. The talk also touches on media coverage shifts and the unique challenges of navigating personal resilience while campaigning. Together with Kara, they tackle the complex dynamics at play in today’s political landscape.