Trump Vs. Biden: Tech Policy

[@a16z]

Marc and Ben are doing a special Q&A episode of "The Ben & Marc Show" this Friday (7/19) to discuss "The Little Tech Agenda", Biden vs. Trump, and the state of startups. Hit reply to this thread and submit your questions below! 👍

[@GiantsOnTheHorizon]

Why the need to put money over country? Does climate, NATO, the Supreme Court, Project 2025, the fact that most of Trump’s former cabinet won’t endorse him not factor in to your decisions? Im also curious about how your founders feel about your decision? If I was one I’d be incredibly disappointed in a16z. Are you only VC’s? Do you have daughters? LGBTQ+ friends/family?

[@jmasonica]

@@a16z what actual policy do you think the Trump administration will be beneficial for the average citizen? I understand that over regulation and bad monetary policy might not be ideal but are you not concerned with the rhetoric of the Trump administration?

[@fnikacevic]

What are your thoughts on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) under Trump which removed tax credits for R&D (now have to be amortized over 5 years instead of immediately)? It's my understanding Trump wants to renew the cut in 2025 while the Democrats are currently trying to repeal it in Congress.

[@swinginsteel8519]

How might Trump's potential re-election in 2024 influence Big Tech's societal benefit initiatives and the corresponding Little Tech employment and governance policies, given industry's reactions to his 2016 win?

[@ferchizzle]

Could it be that you got pushback from Gensler because he’s ex Goldman and reps the tradfi industry? Why do you think you’ll get less pushback on blockchain and crypto with Trump when he installs Jamie Dimon as Treasury Secretary?

[@jonathanferguson7251]

“We couldn’t believe it was happening, like this is only something you’d do if you hated capitalism”. They’re getting warm at least.

[@Therealgrinc]

Somehow this was the most liberal way to announce you’re voting for trump.

[@tj2k]

😂

[@GiantsOnTheHorizon]

Man, Im so disappointed that these guys are putting money above country.

[@ACPeoples]

Exactly why stereotypes and labels are temporary shortcuts to nowhere

[@maindingus7909]

@@GiantsOnTheHorizonsame here I’ve been sobbing for hours

[@and1play5]

@@GiantsOnTheHorizon biden destroyed this country, we're done, accelerate

[@andrew_hd]

For those who came after Weinstin: 50:23 is the part on linear algebra

[@austincummins7712]

Thanks for the comment- I was wondering if I found the right video!

[@aandrews7733]

Thx!

[@swoletech5958]

Grown man in his 50s repetitively - “Sorry Mom for having my own political thinkings.”

[@shawnh9590]

OTOH if you feel so guilty about your politics that have to apologize to your mother first, maybe that should be a sign

[@Edwin-walkercringe7]

@@shawnh9590what? This is such a stupid comment it’s funny.

[@vincenzomarsden9259]

He should be sorry. He's sacrificing any ethicacy for women in the sake of money. When his bunker is stormed, I he'll probably apologize to her again while screaming her name.

[@uni123]

Liberal mum --> manchild

[@humanoid8344]

sorry mom for voting for a r@pist

[@mbowden58]

I have no issues with anyone speaking their mind in support of any presidential candidate. However, it is 100% obvious after listening to this that both Mark and Ben are just talking their book at the expense of everything else - and it’s obvious that nothing else really matters that much to them. It comes out in so many ways intended and unintended.

[@neodro4831]

Thank you for saying this - they clearly are in the game cos they "fear" their investments

[@davidkey4272]

Wait!? You mean their position is based on self interest? Unlike you of course. Thank you for bringing this ideologically and selfishness pure comment to the discussion.

[@farzana6676]

Tech is literally their life's passion and their life's focus. 😂 They're permitted to vote based of their passion. Like everybody else.

[@hblester]

@@farzana6676 This is not their private vote. It is an opinion piece, based on their own self interest.

[@farzana6676]

@@hblester Your vote doesn't need to be private. In America, you're free to publicize it as they're doing here.

[@maxua-gg]

Okay, at least this explains why Marc never talks about war in Ukraine. Too much downside and little upside. Nothing personal, just business.

[@christiansgrignoli3351]

Sacks talks about this

[@vukasinstojkov8730]

at 41:13 and thereabouts he says things that make me think he's involved with DoD re. Ukraine; I might be wrong, and that might not be the answer to the question why he doesn't talk about it, but he doesn't seem detached compeletely to me

[@doing_hard_things]

I like how Marc was getting more and more angry about the government banning math, then Ben pointing out that he's getting worked up to get him to keep calm. Just like a married couple.

[@eriklondon2946]

It is funny isn't it. On the plus side it shows you how well they know each other. I do agree with Marc, but yes getting upset does no good.

[@luciotato]

@@eriklondon2946 When some politician is telling you verbatim "we will classify math" to solve a perceived problem, maybe it is time to get upset

[@eriklondon2946]

@@luciotato Yup with "AI Safety" Gov are trying act like some words need to be regulated (despite #1A rights) and then when they try to regulate or restrict linear algebra because "naughty things" can be done with it, you know is a serious problem. The other concern to me is that with the 1951 Invention Secrecy Act where they can bury your idea forever, seems like a problem to me. There are some 6,000 ideas they have hidden. I get it it if its a new nuclear weapon, but I do wonder how many of them are hidden because it would enable us to get away from using Oil or Solar Panels, as they both cause so much pollution and they can get massive bribes for keeping better technologies hidden.

[@vhgfhfghj]

"...he rewrote it himself." How are we supposed to take you seriously when you say stuff like this?

[@vikmusic1165]

0:34 Why say sorry? Why the F are people so afraid to say they like Trump? Get a spine dude.

[@BM-ni4uz]

I have listened to the little speech about their crypto investments (probably gone bad?) and how America should be run by tech founders' philanthropies / charities (how generous). Just a few hours ago, Trump stated how "Taiwan should pay the US" for defense or be left alone vs China. I am really curious to see how US tech (big or little) will do without the semiconductors. When greed and shortsightedness come together, here is the result. Stupidity.

[@realmotivation248]

Bro go and watch the full video and most important specifics. Because I have read the full RNC paper which states very sound policy on it.

[@eriklondon2946]

The US Tax payer has been paying 4.5% of our GDP for THE REST OF THE WORLDS military for +30 years. They have been paying less than the 2% that they agreed upon. Tiawian has paid none. That means YOUR taxes instead of going to build better roads, or ports, or other infrastructure domestically, is being sent off to go fight in countries you don't even know exist. Germany, less than 1%. It's fine if they want to pay for their own armies, then we don't have to involve ourselves between Russia and them. But they aren't paying, so pay up, or we walk. Yes I despise how wasteful our military contractors are, but at this moment the only one working to take them down is Anduril, and they are doing actually a really good job of it too. We need more innovation and MUCH less waste, especially wasting it on countries that don't care to protect themselves.

[@BM-ni4uz]

@@eriklondon2946 You want to be the most powerful Empire in the world without paying for your provinces (Europe, in this case) ? What a joke. But don't worry, Kamala Harris is coming to take on all those proto-fascist / isolationist / america first / proud boys like you. This time former president orange wig will end up in jail. Write my words down, pen and paper: 1- Trump will lose the election badly (once again) 2- he will (once again) say it’s a fake election 3- MAGA supporters (once again, incited by Trump) will make carry out some violent action / illegal attempt to overthrow the election results 4- Trump gets arrested and goes to jail this (time for real). Ah, between. A16z is making fun of you all. A16z only cares about their Crypto investments (gone very bad apparently), about their tax cuts and deregulation, and nothing more than that. They don't give a dime about former president orange wig. They just see how easy it is to buy him for their own very personal gains. This is all just so self-referential.

[@BM-ni4uz]

​@@eriklondon2946 What a genius you are. You want to be the most powerful empire in the world without paying for your provinces (Europe, in this case) ?? But don't worry, Kamala Harris is coming to take on all the proto-fascists / isolationists / america first proud boys like you and former president orange wig. Write my words down, pen and paper: 1- Trump will lose the election badly (once again) 2- he will (once again) say it’s a fake election 3- MAGA supporters incited by Trump will (once again) carry out violent actions / attempt to overthrow the election 4- Trump gets arrested and goes to jail (this time, for real). Ah, between. A16z is making fun of you all. They do not give a dime about former president orange wig. They only care about their crypto investments (gone very bad apparently for their own fault, but it's easier to blame Biden, of course), their tax cuts, and deregulation. They only see former president orange wig as an easy-to-buy politician for their own private benefit. This is all so self-referential. Wake up John Wayne.

[@BM-ni4uz]

@@eriklondon2946 ​ @eriklondon2946 What a genius you are. You want to be the most powerful empire in the world without paying for your provinces (Europe, in this case) ?? But don't worry, Kamala Harris is coming to take on all the proto-fascists / isolationists / america first proud boys like you and former president orange wig. Write my words down, pen and paper: 1- Trump will lose the election badly (once again) 2- he will (once again) say it’s a fake election 3- MAGA supporters incited by Trump will (once again) carry out violent actions / attempt to overthrow the election 4- Trump gets arrested and goes to jail (this time, for real). Ah, between. A16z is making fun of you all. They do not give a dime about former president orange wig. They only care about their crypto investments (gone very bad apparently for their own fault, but it's easier to blame Biden, of course), their tax cuts, and deregulation. They only see former president orange wig as an easy-to-buy politician for their own private benefit. This is all so self-referential. Wake up John Wayne.

[@nat.serrano]

when I grow up I want to be like Marc and Ben who have so much power to pick the VP of the most powerful country on earth.

[@eriklondon2946]

If you listen to the All-in-pod Sacks said it was between 5 Pro-War NeoCons who hate humanity, or JD who loves humanity. Seems like an obvious choice to me. Also it sounds like it wasn't just 1 person who suggested JD, given that Sacks liked him, so did Chamath (who has also historically been a Democrat).

[@leoleo6692]

I liked it better when it was just the banks tbh. Oh wait

[@eriklondon2946]

@@leoleo6692 Agreed. Nat has no idea how powerful the "Too Big To Fail" banks are. (Ironically that means fascism....) Instead they pick a couple of billionaires who help the little guys get up and going, and attack, rather than the Trillionaires who are pushing their agenda down on us.

[@lexolexoh]

Your thumbnail shows you as grown up already.

[@ReformedEconomist]

If more voters think about how policies affect themselves, and vote accordingly, politics will be better.

[@RenzoRavioli]

yeah, when you are a billionare and trump wants to unregulate you and save you billions in taxes, sure makes a ton of sense!

[@mysteryman6918]

@@RenzoRaviolithese guys build amazing things and my tax dollars are mostly wasted on corruption, welfare and bankrupted entitlements

[@harbifm766766]

Yeah , unless you are a commie, you will vote Democrat

[@realmotivation248]

​@@RenzoRavioli Great 👍 I like that😊

[@eriklondon2946]

@@RenzoRavioli You missed it. These guys are VENTURE CAPITALISTS. Meaning they invest in companies when it is basically just an idea. They don't have any money, or anything built out. These guys are essential to help small businesses get off the ground. Monopolies as we have seen historically (Kodak is prime example) don't invest in innovation and then they become stale, and then they collapse. Small businesses are really the only ones who innovate. The only ones willing to risk what they have for a better tomorrow. Mega corporations are simply trying to keep BlackRock and State Street happy, so they do nothing.

[@lillytaylor8262]

Agree with the benefits of trump, but did they address the downsides? Like trading in a democracy for a dictatorship and Christian sharia law?

[@Unbedingt0815]

Marc Andreessen. The only guy on the internet I listen to in three quarters playback speed!

[@levimeyer6126]

Funny you say that. When he started speaking I legit checked the playback speed to make sure it wasn't off.

[@kimle848]

It's refreshing to see someone who grew up in Berkeley but can have an honest opinion on Trump. Berkeley is bluer than blue and woker than woke.

[@cyberft]

I went to high school in Berkeley. Plenty of smart folks who are objective that have come to the same conclusion. If Trump survives this will be a landslide of epic proportions.

[@clemenssageder]

Take a look at David Horowitz (Ben’s dad). He was a full leftist but then his secretary was killed which led to him becoming a Republican. This focus on politics led to his son (Ben) trying to be apolitical.

[@kimle848]

@@clemenssageder Thank you for the tip. I've heard of David Horowitz but never knew the story. Fascinating.

[@kimle848]

@@cyberft I certainly hope for more people who can think objectively and not just vote party line. I went to UCB and have been living near campus in the last four decades but I found the Berkeley mentality is still very much at the People's Park, unfortunately.

[@xh3b4sd]

Absolute banger episode. Never stop thinking independently! The mere fact that this content is available for free if only you have an internet connection is nothing short of magic.

[@alefalfa]

The Ben and Mark Show is the most underrated show EVER

[@amadelia77]

Agree

[@larab.4535]

Focusing mainly on the impact for tech is an interesting set of priorities and frankly feels like overlooking the broader (societal) implications of electing an unhinged and narcissistic character like Trump. I valued this podcast until now, but this is such a narrow and shortsighted view.

[@GiantsOnTheHorizon]

Well said! I’m so disappointed in these two.

[@sarahsimone]

@@GiantsOnTheHorizonI am too. So disappointed.

[@CraigPulliam]

Well said.

[@dinguslopper]

Got these people suck. It would be so nice if either of them at least had an interesting idea or two. Spoiler alert: sniffing your own farts through a tube for 20 years turns you into a Trump supporter

[@INNIMA]

Tell me those implications.

[@FriscoFatseas]

I love to hear about this conversation getting out there, it’s something I think about a lot

[@OnChainGaming]

Incredible episode. Thanks for shedding light on the truth. Trump 2024!

[@lobaco]

Is this animatronics? The uncanny valley is strong with this one.

[@thomturt]

One more thing: there is a growing movement in conservative circles and especially in the MAGA movement that Democracy may have had it's moment but it, in their self-interested minds, may not be workable going forward. This stems from a concept that has always been around in certain groups but was always spoken about quietly, if at all. That idea is that the general population, that would be most of us, is not smart enough to make important policy decisions about geopolitical issues, finance and taxes, voting rights, abortion, climate, and the whole tapestry of issues that speak to life in the United States. We don’t have the deep knowledge or experience to weigh in these important, complex and consequential questions. Those decisions must be made for us by people who, they deem, have the right credentials (white, wealthy, powerful). So that whole one person/one vote thing doesn't really work for them. That is where the Trump world is headed and these two gentlemen, among a host of others around the world, are down with that. Because they are, you know really smart. Don't fall for that either. It is a ruse intended to disguise their ultimate goal which is to hold onto and expand their wealth and power.That is dictatorship (they might refer to it as benevolent despotism), that is oligarchy, that is not in our Constitution, our most important founding document. So the GOP/MAGA, the people that crow most loudly about faithfulness to the Constitution, want nothing more than to shred it in favor of a King. That is the model you see in Russia, N Korea, China, Iran, and all the other dictatorships around the world. I heard this little gem recently; we should all take it too heart: If you don't have a seat at the table, you are probably on the Menu.

[@SirCharlesFinley]

The Democratic Party just threw out everyone’s seat at the table by removing the candidate that won the primary. So much for democracy lol

[@stephenkenney5708]

Just goes to show how you can be extremely bright in one area and clueless in another.

[@williamerdman4888]

Its not only for "Little Tec"....it's for the whole damn country!

[@josephdouglas6260]

watching Marc get genuinely emotional about these issues shows that he genuinely is disappointed in the Democratic establishment. You can tell he has tried his absolute hardest to stick with them.

[@jtmz87]

Now he is being forced to support the bad orange man. I myself have a very poor opinion of the orange man's character but his policies and administration were significantly more coherent that what we have now and what we will have under Kamala.

[@qwisp]

After seeing last night's Harris/Trump debate I now hope there's no monetary figure that would convince anyone to vote that man in as the leader of America.

[@rahuliox]

This is a great outline of the issues and what's at stake and how crappy the Biden administration is on so many things both in substance and operationally. However, you don't at all touch on the issues of Trump's psychopathy, lack of regard for the law, rapey tendencies, and general chronic lying problem. Would like to hear your thoughts on those.

[@kreek22]

Homosexual rhetorical tendencies are a problem to overcome. Work on it.

[@tomburroughes9834]

Well said.

[@christiansgrignoli3351]

Biden is more guilty of all those things in the lawfare and clear bs cases against trump. Learn the facts.

[@suitandtieguy]

Why touch on issues you just made up in your own head?

[@jack852494]

"It's not the whole administrative state, but certainly the parts that have been affecting us". Yea, we plebs have been suffering their bullshit for decades. Welcome aboard. Hopefully y'all aren't just the new Koch brothers. So this guy thinks about the state regulating math , the same way I feel about the state trying to turn my children trans. Allies!

[@mattsmith8249]

Thanks for all the topics that you have covered over the past year. On philanthropy - people should be able to give their money away, but I think it should be after tax. My reasons 1) Giving organizations "charitable" or "tax deductible" implies that they do good. this government sanctioned "goodness" is inappropriate and might lead people to do less research on where they donate. It also gives an imprimatur of "goodness" to the donors of large foundations, etc. 2) I would rather it be viewed as forced matching contributions from taxpayers, and 3) these non-profits, NGOs etc consume at least as many taxpayer funded resources if not more than the average for profit entity.

[@MindTheLongterm]

Great discussion and it's commendable of you guys to open source your thoughts on the situation.

[@lukecresante]

Thankful for the level of detail. This is not just "our opinion". There are very clear ear marks, especially within crypto regulation and then the fintech example. It is quite telling about the officials who have also elected not to meet...

[@variablex864]

Verry thoughtful and informative. Thank you, gentlemen

[@jdepew]

Marc I’d add one to your list of US advantages: tech, economy, military, and *geography* Great podcast, thanks for the insights!

[@JasmineJones23]

So you spent (wasted) 2 hours basically telling us you’re choosing profits over people? Got it

[@MrStarchild3001]

Guys, I know you're both pretty smart. But here's the thing: those who haven't lived under authoritarianism can't truly understand its impact on countries and their people. Unfortunately, in this case, you fall into that category. Project 2025 and Trump's authoritarian agenda pose serious threats to any nation. The fact that you're at the top of the food chain, and choosing to overlook his goals suggests that you and others like you are eyeing the benefits you'd gain under his administration. But you're making a grave mistake. Betting on becoming an oligarch under a Putin-like regime is the wrong move. There are no winners in such a economy. It's a recipe for disaster. Please reconsider.

[@MauricedelPrado]

You sir are very confused about politics, ecomonics and reality. I am the first generation son of Cuban exiles. My family escaped totalitarianism and I've heard their stories my whole life. What is your first or second hand experience with totalitarianism. The fact that Marc and Elon are both backing Trump should tell you something. Go study and research for yourself and don't get all your information from CNN, WaPo, NYT. I don't like Trump as a person. I voted for Clinton twice and Gore. But then I got older and started learning and thinking for myself. Please reconsider.

[@a.l.i.s.a.]

Trump 2024 baby! 🇺🇸❤️

[@GeorgeNorris888]

This discussion holds significant importance, not only for America but for the entire world.

[@MyPapagio]

The stuttering from the one guy is sooooo annoying. Geez dude, one less coffee.

[@snaughton100]

I love both of these guys but I have never seen a more myopic view of what a second Trump presidency would be about. Anything is ok as long as we are making money. 2025? anyone... anyone?

[@khouse1554]

It’s not just making money. The specific policy proposals Biden has on the table for 2025 could cripple the entire startup ecosystem and greater economy. It’s an existential threat that will hit every American’s wallet. Watch again.

[@realmotivation248]

Yes it is okay because we don't get brainwashed by either media. Because all is biased and run by people who cares Only money. So am I.

[@christiansgrignoli3351]

Men are literally pissing on each other in San Francisco- but somehow people like you are more worried about a return to normalcy ie 1990s America

[@leoleo6692]

They want to be the part of the ‘Trump’ plan that is, dismantling the administrative state.

[@neodro4831]

Really disappointed with these guys. Shows how money and power corrupts great minds alike!!!!

[@dionne3311]

Thank you for this video.

[@cswooten1117]

I respect you guys and reserved my opinion until I heard from you all. Put simply, I don't think the current administration would question the transformational nature of bitcoin, blockchain, or AI. There is a lot at stake with these technologies and the argument that the Biden administration is not moving is short-sighted. The topics an administration is willing to tackle in their first term is different than the second. You guys are also endorsing a candidate that has to win for his own sake and can pander to his hearts content. The endorsement of Trump seems like taking your ball and going home when the game is only half over. The risk of a second Trump presidency, which could result in the playing field vanishing, outweighs the costs and risks you guys reference. The points presented in the podcast don't feel like its impossible to legitimize new tech, they read more like, it should be easier and less expensive and I'm upset about it.

[@kreek22]

So you're saying that you communists believe real Americans are a threat to the American Republic. Gotcha.

[@Katana_00]

@@kreek22trump is as real as WWE

[@kreek22]

@@Katana_00 Well, Y-tube did its usual Leftist thing and erased my comment. So, that's my response: Stalinism is strong in the American Left.

[@Wambamdoozle]

Can you give some examples on the current administration

[@mineralt]

Note to self...when being interviewed on camera, wear really long socks LOL

[@conradseelye5306]

If I were in Ben's position in life, I'd wear the same socks.

[@AIForHumansShow]

This was a really fascinating discussion. Don't agree with everything said but I appreciate this sort of long form conversation on these topics.

[@MegaCystic]

I'll never get over the fact, that I can just open a website and have access to the minds of the most brilliant people in our society, in a very candid way. Simply amazing.

[@a0abes]

As a hightech alumni (6 startups, 2 exits).... your reasoning, more than your decision, hits home and resonates deeply.

[@travvvvvv825]

You mean small tech alum? As a big tech alum, I disagree with their self interested “reasoning”

[@eriklondon2946]

@@travvvvvv825 So tyranny of the Oligopoly is better than not? Hasn't worked before, might as well try and see.... until you get so many Marxist angered then they come for you too.

[@jenrocktheride119]

Yeah there are other ways to handle this namely petition against this Biden proposed bill but don’t vote for trump. It was telling that they acknowledged after the rant “this has a very low chance of passing, but…”. Yes exactly you are VCs you understand risk * opportunity. The risk of that is acceptable compared to the dangers of Trump becoming president. Sad

[@eriklondon2946]

@@travvvvvv825 By self interested reasoning, you mean freedom to start a business? Or do you prefer working for anti-competitive monopolies that kill competition? I can't believe I am arguing with a Leftist that small businesses are the best part of the USA. A 1990's liberal would be the one telling me this.

[@eriklondon2946]

@@jenrocktheride119 Look, I know we all get stuck in our worlds.... but literally +95% of DC is Leftist controlled. Trump didn't do anything the first time, and now "it's the end of democracy"? Let me tell you what is anti-democratic - a political party removing the primary candidate and pushing in another without letting their party members choose. This is LITERALLY anti-democratic. It is a leftists plutocracy and oligarchy controlling our country.

[@hosein88]

when you have to apologize so many times to your mother and friends for your decision ... you kinda know it's not a great decision but you're doing it anyway

[@kreek22]

Totally. Non-conformity is always bad.

[@hosein88]

Very simple explanation by Pete Buttigieg - kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYnYenidlL5nnK8si=u3qEEH4wh4k39zPE&t=62

[@shawnh9590]

@@kreek22 Moral nonconformists wouldn't feel the need to apologize

[@jenrocktheride119]

I have to say, I'm dissapointed in A16Z. obsessing over a bill that will never make it past congress and ignoring the trump tax policies that hurt CA is just sad. Dissapointed

[@OperaJH]

The Trump policies were probably NEVER adopted in California. Californians suffered and your miserable government blamed Trump. There is no denying that EVERYONE who had the Trump policies adopted in their state benefited. Sorry.

[@jarrodvsinclair]

The current / Harris administration wants to make math classified. Even I am reconsidering things after hearing that. That is insane and is way more important then taxes

[@johngreen2468]

why is this 6 mins shorter than the version of video on twitter?

[@vmachacek]

a16z would undeniably benefit from Trump as a president. Notably their upside in crypto ventures would be enormous. Ergo it's not problematic to stand up and come forward with recommendation of ex president Trump. Leaving integrity of character on a sideline. I thought once people get rich they have means to defend higher values than just profits, but nope

[@georgekriese4687]

Excellent discussion. Thank you for posting it.

[@anamikg9434]

"We had dinner with him and he confirmed this..." misses the point that Trump is a pathological liar and will flip his stance in a fraction of a second. How are two astute businesspeople like Marc and Ben so naive?

[@khouse1554]

The only naive folks are those blindsided into thinking the specific policy measures Biden wants to put in place are a reality.

[@jollyholly2851]

The media are pathological liars spreading misinformation about Trump since 2015.

[@INNIMA]

They aren’t naive they just haven’t dehumanized trump like you people in this comment section has with these two intelligent gentlemen

[@agustinbjr]

the economy got so bad that even billionaires are feeling the consequences of their voting preferences that would normally escape their everyday life

[@TTV5]

A lot of words to say "I already pay a much lower effective tax rate than the average American, and want to pay even less"

[@darth.mingdom]

that’s not what they said at all?

[@dmandrews48]

That’s why we need a VAT tax that doesn’t discriminate.

[@TTV5]

​@@dmandrews48 VAT beats sales tax, but the only tax the wealthiest can't dodge, is a wealth tax.

[@ChrisHacken]

It’s almost like you didn’t watch the video

[@Asodr]

The intellectual dis honesty of andreson is as towering as his intellect

[@Asodr]

There is no concern for "the risk of ruin" by VCS

[@Asodr]

re: unrealized gains - if only there was a technology to infinitely fractionally divide a financial asset in an extremely efficient manner

[@Asodr]

Horowitz professed hiring criteria: integrity and intelligence

[@Asodr]

You can't tell which Technologies or companies are going to be successful but you can be a certain that if a certain executive administration is elected, the dominance of the USA is finished

[@Asodr]

"Little Tech" is ingenius marketing

[@Tkanyike]

As always, I thoroughly enjoyed this.

[@aliyilmaz73]

80% of America's unicorn companies have immigrant founders. 4 of the 7 Top Tech companies have immigrant CEOs and nearly all of their founders are 1st or 2nd generation immigrants. What happens to tech with Trump's immigration policies? You might be right from a "business/tech only" perspective, but this is more than that. Look at Russia, Hungary and Turkey; where existing governments were supported by businesses as well at first, as they only looked at it from a "business" perspective. Where are they now? Human rights violations, no freedom of speech, discrimination, war, refugee crisis, homophobia, and so on... Don't make the same mistake other countries did by only thinking about your own investments. This is broader than that

[@Ukie1MTMP]

"What happens to tech with Trump's immigration policies?" I cannot predict, but Trump did recently state clearly that he plans to give H-1B's to all immigrants who graduate from college in the US - 2 yr, 4 yr. He speaks DIRECTLY to your issue, and everyone on the panel agrees with him. Friend AND foe. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJ3Ueo19jbyIprcsi=bOZvI22zCmkhI7U2 I found the entire interview to be surprisingly interesting and revealing - from start to wrap up. But the conversation about YOUR issue starts at ~43:30

[@dnice3533]

When he said WE HAD TO, that's quit disturbing because it sounds like it wasn't his true pick. That sucks! Big business runs this world and Politian's push their agenda and cash the check.

[@OnChainGaming]

Listen to the full episode. Trump is definitely their true pick. That said they did HAVE TO because Biden is trying to destroy innovation and as such America's position of strength.

[@sarahsimone]

Well he referred to Thiel as his dear friend so…... This podcast will not age well.

[@botanicG]

Marc & Ben thanks for always being willing to to reassess be pragmatic and ensure the engine of USA is at the heart of your assessments.

[@sarahsimone]

All while supporting a venomous man whose administration wants to tell women they can’t have a safe pregnancy or divorce an abusive man. They are so great! 😏

[@SamEbby]

They don’t give a fuck

[@gerardhoran]

Very interesting, thanks for being bold enough to share your thoughts at this very challenging time in history.

[@BIKESZ_]

You guys should try and speak with Rep David Schweikert he’s been advocating for AI being implemented in Gov to cut down fiscal spending, as well as Pharmaceutical products that reduce Medicare spending. He has a very pro innovation mindset.

[@cyberft]

Thank you for speaking out publicly and being so thoughtful. God bless America.

[@PNWoutdoor]

Thank you for speaking up and doing the right thing!

[@terjeoseberg990]

What right thing? Promoting and incompetent buffoon?

[@LicoInvestments]

Great episode. So many solid points. I had to take notes. People need to think about businesses and their futures when voting, rather than some of the pitiful reasons I've been hearing people giving.

[@azureconcierge6450]

I enjoyed this video. Was this recorded before Kamala got nominated? And also I am curious if their stance has changed since this recent event

[@Ffrank.-om5qv]

How’s supporting trump going for you now? There’s more to life than money and your crypto pump and dumps.

[@SkyNhett]

27:30 I would not put too much hope in Blockchain for two reasons: 1. Anything that challenges the US dollar will fail. 2. Network Gas fees limit the scope and scale of real-world applications.

[@Stevenpwalsh]

Eth is not the only approach, avax for example has a different scaling approach, and gas has maintained a pretty low cost even when usage increased.

[@c8128tina]

I love your content, but I do find it though to respect this video, specifically the timing. I.e had you made this video before the assassination attempt - kudos to you, irrespective of my views. Making it right after, a la Akman and others is just hedging yourself given you perceive Trump chances are increasing. However - I think this increases massively chances that Biden gets out of the race - and, unless Kamala takes over, then Trump chances actually decrease, not increase. I think the chance that China imposes a blockade on Taiwan once Trump is in is close to 80% (since he said Us won’t defend them) - that’s 40% of GDP gone and your industry (tech) dead for a while. Trump’s willingness to defend Taiwan is the most consequential policy for US tech given the dependance - unless you think US tech can thrive without Taiwan. Happy to hear other views

[@paul_tee]

I'm happy to be corrected on anything, I'm no expert on semi-conductors. When people say Taiwan they're thinking of just TSMC, no? It should be noted that TSMC has recently (around 2020) opened up factories in Arizona. I'm interested in the geopolitical implications of this factory - maybe we don't need to defend Taiwan after all?

[@johnuke_]

Trump said Taiwan should pay for the US to protect it. They have money, so it actually makes sense. America is falling behind and can't afford to keep doing everything for free

[@theo48257]

We're for the Small Tech Agenda! Checks notes: Marc Andreessen is on the board of Meta.

[@DouglasParker-vn6fh]

I would like to hear Ben & Marc elaborate on workable suggestions/proposals that address the concerns of the current administration on Blockchain, AI & specially specific (read passable by Congress) tax reform proposal(s) to address the point that $100Mnaire's on average tax rate basis pay much less that the average American. If it is not workable on ALL UnR Capital Gains, is there a model to tax portion of passive UnRCGains that would have lesser impact on innovation? Progressive Consumption Tax? How can Congress improve the Income Tax System?

[@DavidJAlpert]

Really interesting epiphany these guys have had about prioritizing their values. Clearly their objectives are still ultimately all about the money, but they really demonstrate that smart and good people can have a hard time prioritizing their values. What surprises me more than anything is that these obviously smart and likely good guys, took so long to see the forest through the trees of leftist power agenda. If this is truly an epiphany for them, it's going to be interesting to see how they work to undo the culture of disdain for conservative values they have helped build in Silicon Valley.

[@jtmz87]

A lot of people commenting on here don't seem to understand that everyone would like a Donald Trump who kept his mouth shut sometimes and at least could tone down the rhetoric a little bit. However, his policies are significantly more coherent than what the Biden administration has been offering and at least they are willing to listen to business and not academics/lawyers and lobbyists. Harris on the other hand is going to be significantly worse than what the Biden administration has been offering, god forbid she wins.

[@titovaldes]

Respectfully, could you tell me in which ways the Biden presidency has failed to listen to business needs?

[@HouseJawn]

I understand not supporting the Democrats but libertarian party seems like a more logical endorsement IMO

[@apupetilon2393]

I am just horrified to see two incredibly smart people simultaneously be incredibly dumb. Yes, innovation, regulation, tax policy and so on are all very important topics. But some things are even more important: such as democracy and freedom. If you don't think democracy is on the ballot you haven't been paying attend to Trump.

[@INNIMA]

Oof shut up stick a muffin in it

[@MauricedelPrado]

You are correct. Freedom is on the ballot. And a candidate who supports price controls and giving my tax dollars to illegals is the candidate of oppression, control and the elimination of freedom. Read and study for yourself. And read something other than the left biased MSM

[@int_pro]

Misguided conclusion. Tragically.

[@jaythefox]

Ironic hearing these multi-billionaires pretend to be “little tech”... And WTF did Trump ever do for little guys like me just trying to earn a living and pay rent/bills?

[@GiantsOnTheHorizon]

He trickled down on you with that big tax cut for the rich. Didn’t you get a drop?

[@jaythefox]

@@GiantsOnTheHorizon Hahaha he made it rain ... for the top 1% only.

[@arabedrossian222]

Dropped to 0.75 speed so now Marc is understandable... but Ben is too slow!

[@SayWhatYouMean]

TRUMP 2024 🙏🏼

[@happyhappytechworldz]

What ways has crypto benefited the public interest of the American people and solved a crucial problem in society?

[@jarrodvsinclair]

It seems like a lot of people were not really listening you what these guys were saying. Does thier book influence them? Yes. But the current administration is thinking about banning Math? Like how is that even a remotely tenable position. I think I will have to listen to this again in a few days

[@Charlie-Em]

The old man is saying sorry to his mom😂😂😂

[@kinash1612]

It's a great thing to being an old man and stil has his mother alive. And apparently he has pretty much money. Lucky guy.

[@shecanfilmit]

It's endearing.

[@TheresaPowers]

his mother supports the murder of innocent babies.

[@chefblydenify]

So important and fortunate to grow up hearing both sides 🙏🏾

[@stopher21]

Masquerading as heroes for "little tech", while selling out America in the never ending quest for "more".

[@INNIMA]

Absolute npc take

[@stopher21]

​@@INNIMA The npc move is to bow down to billionaires and believe that they're the good guys, looking out for the everyman. They aren't looking out for little tech, they're strategically accumulating more power and influence for themselves.

[@keithsorlie9798]

Thanks

[@IanFleming808]

Little tech and little business ate important because as an organization becomes larger it becomes less efficient in alot of ways particularly in decision making and more risk adverse but that’s where the real innovation or the “lightning in a bottle” comes from more often than not.

[@fiartruck0125]

Is it fair to say that Google "shelved" transformer? 1) They published it. 2) They kept funding more research. True: they didn't carry the LLM torch as far as OpenAI, so they missed some out on a lot of GPT hype. But we haven't had the final word on weather LLMs are the best way forward, and if it turns out that we are still missing an important keystone technology, my guess is the funding behind it will be from a big money. If on the other hand, what we are missing is not new tech but either a refinement or the tech or else a novel *application* of the tech, then I can see that coming from the ecosystem of little guys.

[@dmandrews48]

Thankfully, these Gen-X business leaders have grown older, successful, but more importantly, wiser. Welcome to the America 1st movement

[@abundance1275]

The world needs a new American republic. 🇺🇸

[@nagreddy6342]

The ROI from AI is so Huge that capital will move to other countries which will innovate if US doesn't.

[@dinguslopper]

The ROI on AI is currently zero lol. Dream on

[@KarthikRama-bv3qo]

I love President Trump too. Thanks for speaking up, keep it up

[@mfhomem]

Czeslaw Milosz in The Captive Mind, and Hannah Arendt in the Origins of Authoritarianism, explain exactly how smart inteligente people end up embracing iliberal and autocratic ideologies. It is a sad sad state of affairs that these two prioritize narrow economic issues above liberal democracy, the rule of law, and decency.

[@Wambamdoozle]

Economy>abortion

[@mozandy]

Marc and Ben will hopefully be Trump Administration Technology Czars which will be perfect for America’s future!

[@laurellegallant]

Great job! I see the comments from those who don’t fully grasp the message. If they listened and still don’t understand, only God can open their eyes. Blessings to you both!

[@reamstack]

thank you 🙏

[@RobertJohnFreeman]

Excellent conversation. Revealed several policy issues I wasn't aware of.

[@buenos4799]

23:30: At large aerospace companies, the talent gets also nuked.

[@gabb05]

so here are two guys who basically explained that they are voting in their best self-interest. It's logical, but also super narrow. There's one candidate that's optimal for what they do, therefore gets their vote. Most ppl vote in their self-interest as well.

[@khouse1554]

You obviously didn’t hear them. For start up founders which they represent trump is clearly the best candidate. The further regulatory climate imposed by Biden who has promised even further regulation dampens the entrepreneurial community heavily. FTC is becoming communist like now going after even the smaller M&A transactions. Tax rates for small businesses need to go down, not up. R&D tax credits need to go up, not down. So many reasons and I applaud them for doing their homework

[@bikesbeersbeats]

On the crypto topic, I find it interesting that you did not address the sheer amount of fraud and the losses incurred by every day people, this is exactly what has led to the SEC taking a conservative approach to the space. Its clear that a lot of people who built these companies became exceedingly wealthy at the expense of their customers. While I love whats going on in the crypto space I am certainly a lot more hesitant to invest into anything where I dont have direct access to the creators. I believe the SEC sees it the same way, they arent really in a position to be able to regulate this space. Maybe a16z can take up a position to help allow this space to grow/innovate while also helping to formulate a framework that prevents the level and scale of fraud we've seen since the start of crypto.

[@PassifloraCerulea]

I'm all for those who aren't out to destroy this country and its people (and the power to do something about it), so I'm glad these two seem to be coming. They're still nuts if they actually think the (D) would do an about-face though.

[@paul_tee]

@ 56:40 This is dramatic - nobody's coming for the linear algebra that's on youtube. Modern society as we know it would literally collapse if the world somehow forgot how to do undergrad linear algebra. Literally every branch of science depends on it. The WH's talking about classifying it on the research level, where has been precedence. In fact, theres are area of classified math research being done to this day. For instance, certain areas of cryptography.

[@Mastermindguy1994]

Regulate the applications. It's that simple.

[@TT-kp5tp]

For guys with a lot of cash, you are both really badly dressed. Deplorable sucking up to politicians to line your pockets.