On with Kara Swisher

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, becomes a central figure in the upcoming U.S. election, acting as a top surrogate for Trump. Zoë Schiffer, from Wired, discusses Musk's control over narratives at X, while Eva Dou from The Washington Post sheds light on the tech policies surrounding Musk's ventures. They dive into Musk's political influence, the conservative shift on Twitter, and the pros and cons of corporate cost-cutting strategies in governance, revealing how Musk's ambitions intertwine with his business interests.

Timothy Snyder, a Yale history professor known for his works on freedom and tyranny, teams up with Bill Adair, a Duke journalism professor focused on political deception. They dive into the erosion of truth in politics, highlighting how social media amplifies lies. Snyder critiques The Washington Post's non-endorsement decision as a sign of 'anticipatory obedience' to tyranny. The conversation emphasizes the need for accountability in journalism and warns of the psychological impact of misinformation on democracy.

Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn and renowned Democratic mega-donor, shares his insights on navigating the complex intersection of technology and politics. He discusses his opposition to Trump and his evolving relationships with figures like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel. Hoffman emphasizes the need for effective AI governance, urging collaboration for responsible regulations. He also highlights the critical role of tech companies in combating misinformation and fostering voter engagement, all while stressing the importance of maintaining democratic values in an increasingly polarized climate.

Seth Meyers, a veteran of SNL and host of NBC's Late Night with Seth Meyers, dives into the challenges and transformations of late-night comedy. He explores whether political humor and business models are hitting a wall, and shares insights from his stand-up special, 'Dad Man Walking', weaving personal parenting stories into his routines. The conversation touches on the evolution of content creation in a streaming-driven world and the significance of diversity in comedy. Seth also reflects on the changing landscape of entertainment and the intimate connections fostered in podcasting.

In this captivating discussion, Oscar-winning actor Robert Downey Jr. reflects on his Broadway debut in 'McNeil' and examines AI's impact on storytelling and identity. Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Ayad Akhtar and Tony-winning director Bartlett Sher join him, delving into the challenges of truth and authenticity in an AI-driven world. They explore the evolving social contract around technology, the tension between creativity and AI, and Downey's unique perspective on his iconic roles, bringing a fresh lens to the intersection of art and the human experience.

Meredith Whittaker, President of the Signal Foundation and former Google employee, champions data privacy in a world rife with surveillance capitalism. She highlights how Signal's end-to-end encryption distinguishes it from competitors, making it a crucial tool for various users, including journalists and politicians. The conversation dives into ethical challenges within tech giants, the risks posed by AI, and the implications of centralized power on privacy. Whittaker also underscores the need for nonprofits in this landscape, advocating for a more privacy-focused digital future.

Yuval Noah Harari, an Israeli historian and philosopher renowned for his bestsellers like 'Sapiens,' delves into the evolution of information networks and their societal impact. He argues that humanity's challenges stem from our information trade, not our nature. Harari discusses the historical manipulation of information, likening today's social media dynamics to past propagandas. He raises alarms about AI's influence on democracy, the importance of credible information sources, and the urgent need for effective AI regulation as society grapples with rapid technological changes.

Chris Wallace, a veteran journalist and author of "Countdown 1960," dives into the contentious 1960 election between Kennedy and Nixon. He argues that massive fraud in Illinois and Texas may have skewed the results in favor of JFK. Wallace and Kara discuss the parallels to today's electoral challenges and how Nixon's decision to concede sets a critical precedent. They also explore the impact of television on public perception and the intricate campaign strategies that defined this pivotal moment in American politics.

Rachel Maddow, host of "The Rachel Maddow Show," dives into the dubious connections of Lev Parnas, a Ukrainian hustler entangled with Donald Trump. Joined by Emmy-winning filmmaker Billy Corben, they unravel how Parnas played a pivotal role in attempts to sabotage Hunter Biden and his father during the 2020 election. They discuss the implications of Parnas's access to power, the scandal that spearheaded Trump's impeachment, and the murky waters of corruption in politics, showcasing a captivating blend of intrigue and political theater.

Mustafa Suleyman, CEO of Microsoft AI and a former co-founder of DeepMind, shares his insights on the evolving landscape of AI. He envisions AI agents as personalized companions, from teachers to doctors, moving beyond mere chatbots. During a discussion at the Lesbians Who Tech conference, he explains Microsoft's strategy for integrating AI into products, views OpenAI as a sibling rather than a rival, and highlights the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions to power AI's future.