I'm not anti-high finance, and not even anti VC in theory. Took a class on it in school and it was lovely: all about getting cool new products to market. But so much of VC right now seems to be investing in established businesses and absolutely squeezing them on payroll until there's no one left to actually do the work.
There's a difference?
(I'm joking... but only half joking)
Vance’s circle has never been in the business of disrupting Big Tech. They’re looking to sell to them. (Also the White House pigeons have more influence than Vance inasmuch as they might shit on Trump and thus catch his attention.)
Vance has tremendous potential power. He has no say right now. That is evidenced to a remarkable degree, for such things so early in a Presidency, in the public record. People aren't bothering to keep him in the loop.
Also, Vance's power isn't solely conditional on Trump's EKG. He's very much constrained by MAGA and friends.
> If he calls you, you probably want to pick up the phone and hear him out
Of course. He's still my Vice President and from my interactions with him to date, a perfectly nice person.
But I wouldn't expect anything to come of it. I would not be able to take him at his word, not because I think he's dishonest, but because I really don't think he is in the know. And I can think of a few people I'd be willing to cut that call short for if they called during that call.
A promoted president Vance will be in no way constrained or contained by MAGA if he has Thiel in his corner.
What do you think Thiel brings to the table with MAGA?
They got him the presidency this time around, but he could dump them for centrists if that group is up for sale next time.