Pivot – Supreme Court and Social Media, Cybertruck Troubles, and Guest Matt Mullenweg

Intro

In this episode of the “Pivot” podcast, hosts Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway discuss a wide range of topics, including the Supreme Court’s decision on combating misinformation on social media, the challenges faced by Tesla and its upcoming Cybertruck, and the guest appearance of Matt Mullenweg, CEO of WordPress. They also delve into the controversy surrounding Congressman Jim Jordan, the power of social media platforms, and the importance of speaking out against abuse. Tune in for engaging discussions and insightful analysis.

Main Takeaways

Supreme Court and Social Media

• The Supreme Court has temporarily allowed the Biden administration to continue efforts to combat misinformation on social media.
• The original lawsuit claims government officials censored productive speech by urging tech companies to modify posts involving COVID and the election.
• Conservatives are attacking the agency CISA for trying to protect elections and colluding with Big Tech to censor speech.
• The best argument for the government is that they have First Amendment rights but can say to tech companies to stop the spread of false information.
• Justices Alito, Thomas, and Gorsuch dissented on the court’s decision, with Alito calling out government censorship of private speech.

Tesla and Cybertruck Troubles

• Tesla’s Q3 earnings down 37% from last year, with production challenges and cash flow issues highlighted by Elon Musk on the earnings call.
• Cybertruck delivery event announced for November 30th, but Musk seems to be tempering expectations for the new vehicle.
• Tesla’s enterprise value to EBITDA multiple is 43 times, compared to Ford’s 7 times and GM’s 5 times.
• Margins are contracting, competition is increasing, and scaling is difficult for Tesla as they face the same issues as any manufacturing or automobile company.
• The Cybertruck’s design may have limited appeal and is overexposed.

Guest Matt Mullenweg and WordPress

• WordPress CEO, Matt Mullenweg, discusses the acquisition of Tumblr and other platforms.
• WordPress is moving into messaging with the acquisition of text.com, a desktop app that brings together all messaging apps into one interface.
• WordPress aims to be the “birthplace of half the internet” by investing in publishing, commerce, and messaging.
• The acquisition of text.com is important for human rights and freedom as it allows for greater distribution of published content.
• Text.com supports all networks, making it easier for people to stay connected and keep up with their messages.

Summary

Supreme Court and Social Media

The Supreme Court’s decision to temporarily allow the Biden administration’s efforts to combat misinformation on social media highlights the ongoing debate over free speech and content moderation. The original lawsuit claims government officials censored productive speech by urging tech companies to modify posts involving COVID and the election. While conservatives criticize the agency CISA for colluding with Big Tech to censor speech, the court’s decision suggests that there is a fine line between protecting First Amendment rights and addressing the spread of false information.

Tesla and Cybertruck Troubles

Tesla’s recent challenges, including a decline in Q3 earnings, production issues, and cash flow concerns, underscore the difficulties faced by the company as it scales and competes in the automobile industry. The upcoming Cybertruck delivery event has generated anticipation, but Elon Musk’s tempered expectations and the design’s limited appeal raise questions about its success. With Tesla’s high enterprise value and contracting margins, the company must navigate the same challenges as traditional manufacturing and automobile companies.

Guest Matt Mullenweg and WordPress

Matt Mullenweg’s appearance on the podcast brings insights into WordPress’s recent acquisition of Tumblr and its expansion into messaging with the acquisition of text.com. By investing in publishing, commerce, and messaging, WordPress aims to be a central hub for internet content. The acquisition of text.com is particularly significant for human rights and freedom, as it allows for greater distribution of published content and supports all networks, making it easier for users to stay connected across different messaging platforms.

Conclusion

This episode of “Pivot” covers a range of topics, from the Supreme Court’s decision on combating misinformation on social media to the challenges faced by Tesla and the guest appearance of Matt Mullenweg, CEO of WordPress. The discussions provide valuable insights into the complexities of free speech, the future of electric vehicles, and the evolving landscape of online publishing and messaging. Stay informed and engaged with the latest developments in technology, politics, and business by tuning in to “Pivot.”