U.S. Election

Zuckerberg grasps big problem with tech breakups

1 Oct 2019

The Facebook boss expects the U.S. to try and dissect the social network if Democratic detractors win office. His argument: Making tech firms smaller would be counterproductive in preventing election interference. He’s right on both counts. That could be Facebook’s best defense.

Election year could be potent M&A sedative

1 Oct 2019

Drugmakers and healthcare companies made up the lion’s share of deals this year. U.S. presidential elections next year will inject uncertainty, because the sector is so geared to policy shifts. Proposals from Democrats like Elizabeth Warren could dampen animal spirits for years.

White House hopefuls freeze out key climate allies

5 Sep 2019

Democrats have outlined responses to global warming ranging from a carbon tax to green energy, along with some huge spending plans. But companies and investors are already pushing for change. It’s a mistake to think government has to do all the heavy lifting and foot the bill.

Woke capitalism is a winner in the 2020 campaign

4 Sep 2019

Democratic White House hopefuls blame the U.S. economic system for growing inequality. Their plans target private equity, banks, corporations and the rich. A wealth tax may not be as effective as it looks. But some ideas may start to cut the gap between the haves and have nots.

The Exchange: White House hopeful Tom Steyer

3 Sep 2019

The hedge fund founder has already spent millions to impeach Donald Trump. He’s now trying to replace the U.S. president, joining a crowded Democratic field. The Exchange went to his campaign office to discuss why he is running and what he thinks of businessmen as politicians.

Bernie Sanders grasps wrong half of media problem

27 Aug 2019

Everyone knows the news industry is in trouble. But the U.S. Democratic presidential candidate’s proposed solutions – blocking M&A and taxing Silicon Valley – won’t revive a fading sector. The best chance of survival lies with rich patrons like Jeff Bezos and nonprofit models.

China is elephant in the room amid 2020 Democrats

27 Jun 2019

White House contenders touted better healthcare access, immigration reform and college aid in their first debates. Donald Trump’s China trade war was briefly discussed. It’s an awkward topic as many agree with the president. The question is if they would continue his legacy.

Capitalism will be villain of 2020 U.S. elections

26 Jun 2019

Democratic presidential contenders sparring in their first debate agreed on one thing: America’s economic system has helped mainly the rich. Even on socialism-averse Wall Street that idea has gained traction. Free markets are emerging as a political bogeyman.

A plutocrat president is up for re-election

21 Jun 2019

Donald Trump launched his 2020 campaign with a populist appeal to America’s forgotten men and women. His signature first-term legislation slashed taxes for companies, which now hand over the least in decades despite abundant profit. Such actions speak louder than Trump’s words.

The Exchange: John Delaney

17 Jun 2019

The first Democrat to bid for 2020’s presidential election has a pitch rarely heard in today’s political slugfest: that Democrats and Republicans can get along. Despite being a peacemaker, the former Maryland congressman has some punchy views on China, Big Tech and drug prices.

U.S. floods add new twists to 2020 elections

21 Mar 2019

Several midwestern states have suffered some of their worst deluges on record, raising more climate-change fears. That could influence voters in Iowa, where presidential candidates face their first test. And the floods’ financial toll may prompt underwater farmers to dump Trump.

Tech donors have reasons to keep 2020 powder dry

20 Mar 2019

Silicon Valley is a big source of White House campaign funds. But progressive Democrats who otherwise appeal to some tech types are bashing the sector. Others support Trump’s China crackdown and tax cuts but are afraid to back him publicly. It could mean a wait-and-see approach.

Facebook’s presidential foes are also customers

14 Mar 2019

Silicon Valley has become a political punching bag for Elizabeth Warren and other 2020 contenders. But their campaigns are big users of Facebook and other online platforms. It reflects the power of tech giants, and suggests that bashing them may not persuade voters.

Mike Bloomberg can learn from Thomson Reuters

6 Dec 2018

The former New York mayor says he’ll try to sell his financial-data empire if he wins the 2020 presidential race. Lucky for him, money is plentiful for a buyout that could be valued at $40 bln. And there’s a blueprint he can use: Thomson Reuters’ sale of Refinitiv to Blackstone.