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Can Elon Musk Help Trump Win? Plus: Steve Ballmer's Quest for Data-Driven Politics

Can Elon Musk Help Trump Win? Plus: Steve Ballmer's Quest for Data-Driven Politics

The biggest tech news of the week was the budding bromance between Elon Musk and Donald Trump. The two men appeared together in a conversation on X Space on Monday night. The conversation, billed as a friendly chat, was beset by technical difficulties and did little to address the pressing issues facing voters.

Key points

  • It is the first time that a CEO of a major technology company has inserted himself so directly into a presidential race.
  • Musk’s motivations remain unclear. While some speculate on government contracts, others point to a personal shift toward the far right.
  • Despite his efforts to promote Trump on X (formerly Twitter), it is not certain that these tactics will influence the outcome of the election.

Has social media lost its power?

The dominance of social media in shaping political discourse is being challenged. While X remains a platform for political elites and journalists, its influence on the wider public appears to be declining. This could be due to:

  • Moving the platform to a right-hand resonating chamber.
  • A decline in the overall reach of social media in political conversations.

Steve Ballmer's Different Approach

In contrast to Elon Musk’s partisan tactics, Steve Ballmer is taking a data-driven approach to improving political discourse. His nonprofit, USAFacts, aims to provide clear, unbiased information on government spending and policies. This approach, while less flashy, could have a more lasting impact on American democracy.

The future of technology and politics

The relationship between tech giants and politics remains complex. While Elon Musk’s actions raise concerns about undue influence, Steve Ballmer’s efforts offer a more promising path forward. It remains to be seen which approach will ultimately prevail.

By Tom Sterling

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