Who really controls US elections? (with Bradley Tusk)
1. Vote in Primary Elections
Participate in primary elections, as these often determine who gets elected due to gerrymandering and low turnout, thereby influencing politicians to represent a broader, more moderate electorate. Increasing primary turnout can incentivize politicians to seek compromise and address mainstream concerns.
2. Advocate for Mobile Voting
Support initiatives like mobile voting, which aims to remove friction from the voting process by allowing people to cast ballots securely from their phones, thereby increasing primary turnout and fostering more representative government. Consider reading “Vote With Your Phone” to learn more and join the movement.
3. Mobilize Supporters with Tech
If you’re trying to overcome powerful special interests, leverage technology (e.g., app-based communication, social media, email) to mobilize a large base of supporters to directly contact their legislators and express their demands. This strategy proved effective in legalizing ride-sharing services like Uber.
4. Understand Political Re-election Incentives
Recognize that most politicians make decisions based on winning their next election, often by catering to the small, extreme group of primary voters, rather than the broader public good. This understanding helps contextualize political actions and policy outcomes.
5. Evaluate Politicians Critically
When evaluating politicians, assume there’s a 99% chance they are primarily optimizing for re-election and personal ego, rather than genuinely working for the public good. This critical lens helps assess their motivations and potential policy outcomes.
6. Advocate for Efficient Redistribution
Support direct wealth redistribution methods like Universal Basic Income (UBI) to ensure more money reaches those in need, rather than being lost to bureaucracy in traditional social services. Critically audit existing government programs to assess their return on investment and effectiveness.
7. Support Tech Antitrust Efforts
Advocate for antitrust policies against large tech monopolies (e.g., Meta, Apple, Amazon, Microsoft) to encourage new company formation and innovation. This prevents dominant players from stifling competition and ensures long-term economic dynamism.
8. Advocate Section 230 Repeal
Support the repeal of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act to remove liability protection for social media platforms, thereby incentivizing them to moderate harmful, algorithm-promoted content (e.g., self-harm, hate speech) and act more responsibly.
9. Utilize AI in Government
Advocate for the strategic use of AI in government functions such as promulgating regulations, streamlining licensing, and improving procurement processes. AI can significantly increase efficiency, reduce corruption, and accelerate decision-making, as demonstrated by the potential to resolve issues like the New York cannabis rollout faster.
10. Adopt Nuanced View on Regulation
Avoid blanket statements about regulation being inherently good or bad; instead, evaluate it based on context and its ability to address market failures like information asymmetries or monopolies. Thoughtful regulation can promote innovation and protect consumers.
11. Beware Special Interest Influence
Be vigilant against special interests that use political influence, campaign contributions, and lobbying to maintain their power and block beneficial changes for consumers, even when lacking valid policy arguments. This understanding helps identify root causes of policy stagnation.
12. Hack Conscientiousness & Grit
If you struggle with traits like low conscientiousness, recognize that while personality is somewhat fixed, you can implement systems and habits (e.g., daily routines, consistent record-keeping) to compensate. Seek treatment for malleable traits like neuroticism, and consider career paths that align with your natural strengths.