The Little Tech Agenda: Why We Support Trump

Welcome to "The Ben & Marc Show," featuring a16z co-founders Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz. In this new episode, Marc and Ben discuss their latest article, “The Little Tech Agenda,” and why the future of American innovation is at a critical juncture.

In a one-on-one conversation, Ben and Marc compare the policies of Donald Trump and Joe Biden regarding Little Tech, explore the potential futures for blockchain, crypto, and AI, and examine how tax policies could shape the future of startups and venture capital.

They also address the recent assassination attempt on President Trump and reveal which candidate they’ll be supporting in the upcoming election. Enjoy!

Topics Covered:
00:00:49 Intro to Little Tech Agenda and presidential election impact
00:03:33 Involvement in presidential politics
00:11:24 Importance of Little Tech
00:24:01 Blockchain, crypto and stakeholder capitalism
00:28:52 Challenges faced in the crypto industry 
00:35:59 Trump's stance on emerging industries
00:37:20 Biden admin's assault on a nascent industry
00:38:51 Significance of AI in America
00:42:42 Discussion on Executive Order limiting math operations in AI
00:53:33 Trump's position on AI
00:55:17 AI regulation
00:58:23 Biotech and the Biden administration
01:00:09 AI and military technology
01:03:52 Biden admin's destructive tax policy for startups
01:17:18 President Trump and Little Tech
01:18:42 Assassination attempt on President Trump
01:25:27 The strength of American presidents
01:26:38 Closing remarks
01:30:44 Sign off

#tech #technology #startup #vc #LittleTechAgenda #PresidentialRace2024 #business #blockchain #crypto #artificialintelligence #ai #fintech #innovation #techpolicy #donaldtrump #joebiden #politics #policy #washington

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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! 👍

[Therealgrinc]

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

[jonathanferguson]

“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.

[andrew_hd]

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

[swoletech]

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

[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.

[BM-niuz]

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.

[variablex]

Verry thoughtful and informative. Thank you, gentlemen

[larab.]

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.

[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.

[mbowden]

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.

[ReformedEconomist]

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

[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.

[kimle]

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.

[TTV]

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"

[alefalfa]

The Ben and Mark Show is the most underrated show EVER

[agustinbjr]

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

[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.

[jdepew]

Marc I’d add one to your list of US advantages: tech, economy, military, and *geography*

Great podcast, thanks for the insights!

[hosein]

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