Topic: Tom Perkins

The hosts debate the concept of income inequality, questioning whether the economy is a "zero-sum game." Dvorak argues that politicians, rather than the wealthy, should be the primary targets of public frustration due to corruption. They cite examples of political scandals in Chicago involving Jesse Jackson Jr. and others as evidence of systemic failure.

Dilbert creator Scott Adams published a blog post defending venture capitalist Tom Perkins' concerns about escalating public contempt for the wealthy. Adams argued that while Perkins' Nazi analogy was poor, his point about potential violence driven by economic illiteracy is legitimate. This tension is exemplified by ongoing protests in San Francisco and Seattle, where activists have begun throwing eggs at corporate shuttles for companies like Microsoft and Google.

The dinner party ends abruptly after the host defends Tom Perkins’ controversial letter comparing the persecution of the "1 percent" to Nazi Germany. The host argues that minorities should not be persecuted, regardless of their wealth. This leads to a side discussion about venture capitalist John Doerr and his nervous habits, including biting his fingernails down to the bone.

The hosts read through donation notes from Executive and Associate Executive Producers, granting "karma" and "de-douching" requests. One donor from Brooklyn praises a recent argument between the hosts regarding Tom Perkins, noting that the debate helped clarify the facts. Another segment features a listener's request to hear a specific Italian clip, which is revealed to be a recording of a host's niece.

Venture capitalist Tom Perkins sparked outrage by sending a letter to the Wall Street Journal comparing the "demonization" of the wealthy 1% to the persecution of Jews in Nazi Germany. Perkins defended his ex-wife, author Danielle Steel, against public criticism in San Francisco. The hosts discuss the historical context of the "stab in the back" myth and the potential dangers of class warfare memes promoted by the administration.

In a Bloomberg interview, Tom Perkins expresses regret for using the word "Kristallnacht" but stands by his message regarding the demonization of successful minorities. He argues that the majority's resentment toward the "creative part of society" is a dangerous historical precedent. The hosts analyze his attempt to walk back the Nazi comparison while maintaining his stance on Occupy Wall Street.

In an "Ask Adam" segment, the hosts debate why billionaires like Paul Allen or Larry Ellison do not purchase retired Concorde jets for private use. Adam explains the logistical hurdles, including the need for a five-person crew and the political optics of such high-fuel consumption. The conversation shifts to the massive super yachts owned by tech moguls and the specific maintenance they require.

Dvorak describes seeing Tom Perkins' world-famous automated sailing ship while traveling to a dinner party at Larry Ellison's residence. He clarifies that while the ship is a technological marvel built in Turkey, he has no desire to attend parties on boats. The dinner took place at Ellison's house, which Dvorak characterizes as a "crash pad" designed like a Four Seasons lobby where guests must remove their shoes.