Timcast IRL · April 26, 2022 · 2h 0m
Timcast IRL #516 - Elon Musk BOUGHT Twitter, Deal Is Done And The Left Is OUTRAGED w/Ron Bassilian
Episode Recap
Tim Pool and the Timcast IRL crew discussed Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter on April 26, 2022. The deal, valued at $54.20 per share, was described as a done deal pending shareholder votes and legal reviews. Ron Bassilian, a Republican political figure and former Congressional candidate from California, joined the discussion to analyze the implications of Musk's purchase on free speech and political discourse. The panel explored how Musk potentially cornered Twitter's board by timing the offer before a negative earnings report, which would have exposed them to fiduciary liability. Beyond the Twitter acquisition, the conversation covered Trump's $10,000 per day contempt of court fine in civil proceedings, Google's new woke autocorrect features, and Tim's announcement of a Times Square billboard calling out the Washington Post for doxxing Libs of TikTok. The hosts expressed optimism that Musk's ownership could restore free speech to the platform, though they acknowledged uncertainty about where Musk would draw the line on controversial content.
TL;DR
- →Elon Musk completed his acquisition of Twitter for $54.20 per share, with the deal expected to close pending shareholder and legal reviews
- →Ron Bassilian joined the show to discuss the political implications of Musk buying Twitter and what it means for free speech
- →Tim Pool argued Musk executed a strategic move by timing the offer before Twitter's negative earnings report, potentially exposing the board to fiduciary lawsuits if they had rejected it
- →Trump was held in contempt of court and fined $10,000 per day in civil proceedings, adding to his legal troubles
- →Tim announced a Times Square billboard calling out the Washington Post for doxxing Libs of TikTok journalist Taylor Lorenz
- →The panel discussed Twitter employee reactions, with conservatives pointing out the irony of liberal blue check marks now expressing the same fears conservatives faced years ago
Key Moments
- 0:00Opening and Twitter NewsTim Pool breaks the news that Elon Musk has bought Twitter and explains the basics of the deal
- 0:28Musk's Free Speech PromisesDiscussion of Musk's stated commitment to free speech and uncertainty about where he'll draw the line
- 2:09Guest Introduction - Ron BassilianRon Bassilian joins the show, discussing his background in California Republican politics and his Congressional run
- 3:12Musk's 4D Chess MoveTim explains how Musk likely cornered Twitter's board by timing the offer before negative earnings reports
- 4:50Times Square Billboard AnnouncementTim announces his Times Square billboard calling out the Washington Post for doxxing Libs of TikTok
Notable Quotes
“Elon Musk has bought Twitter. It's not completely done yet because there's still got to be reviews. There's legal issues. The shareholders, I believe, have to vote. But in all likelihood, it's a done deal.”
— Tim Pool · opening announcement
“He offered $54.20 per share. If on Thursday news comes out that the earnings were not good, the stock would likely fall. The board knows this. They know what their earnings are.”
— Tim Pool · analysis of Twitter board decision
“I've been involved in Republican politics in the LA GOP, California GOP. Overall major political presence on Twitter, Ron for California.”
— Ron Bassilian · guest introduction
“We want to push back. We are going to engage in culture, change culture, and call people out using these institutions and these machines.”
— Tim Pool · culture war strategy
“Twitter's been struggling for some time. Their main source of their earnings, as far as I can tell, is ad revenue. It's a very risky proposition for a company to roll that die because if the advertisers get disenfranchised or disgruntled, they'll pull their money.”
— Tim Pool · Twitter business model concerns