All-In E159: The Bestie Awards! Recapping the best and worst of 2023

Key Highlights & Discussion Points:

Politics

• Biggest Winners:

  • Chamath: Donald Trump - citing increased support following legal challenges
  • Friedberg: Saudi Arabia - for their strategic positioning between global powers
  • Sacks: Abortion rights - winning referendums across multiple states
  • Jason: Non-traditional candidates (Vivek, RFK Jr., Dean Phillips)

• Biggest Losers:

  • Friedberg & Chamath: DEI movement/ESG
  • Sacks: Volodymyr Zelensky
  • Jason: American people facing Biden-Trump rematch

Business

• Winners:

  • Chamath: Elon Musk (Twitter/X, SpaceX, Tesla)
  • Sacks: "Magnificent Seven" tech companies
  • Friedberg: Microsoft
  • Jason: Uber's turnaround

• Losers:

  • Sacks: Pfizer
  • Friedberg: Muyuan Foodstuff (Chinese pig farming)
  • Chamath: FTX and Silicon Valley Bank
  • Jason: Fox News

Technology & Innovation

• Notable Developments:
  • ChatGPT's mobile app with voice capabilities
  • Open source locally-run LLMs
  • Starlink for aviation
  • CRISPR treatment for sickle cell anemia approved by FDA

Cultural Trends

• Positive:

  • Return to meritocracy
  • Focus on profitability in young companies
  • Taylor Swift's business success

• Negative:

  • Rising antisemitism
  • Increasing national debt
  • Mental health crisis among young people
  • Normalization of excessive government spending

Notable moment: The group discussed DEI's decline following university presidents' congressional testimony, marking a significant shift in public opinion on the topic.

Looking Ahead to 2024

The group expressed cautious optimism about 2024, noting that while 2023 avoided a predicted recession, significant challenges remain including geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties.