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Kara Swisher's Free Speech Warning: "They Can Chill People"

March 17, 2026 / 01:19

This episode discusses free speech, media lawsuits, and the impact of alternative media. Scott shares his views on the chilling effects on free speech and the role of courts.

Scott expresses concern about the Gawker media lawsuit, indicating that it shows how courts may not always protect free speech. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing visible and invisible threats to free expression.

He reflects on the shift of power from traditional media to alternative platforms and the potential backlash against attempts to suppress speech. Scott mentions Brendan Carr and suggests that his actions could lead to negative consequences.

TLDR

Scott discusses free speech challenges and media lawsuits.

Episode

1:19
00:00:00
Hey Cara and Scott, thanks for taking questions. Scott, you talked about the attempt to chill free speech is
00:00:04
backfiring. Alternative media will fill the gap as long as courts protect them. I like your optimism. What about the
00:00:10
Gawker media lawsuit that demonstrated the courts didn't protect them and money
00:00:14
wins? >> That was the beginning. I am much more concerned. I think they can chill
00:00:18
people. Uh I I worry myself. You think about it, you know, I don't do it. I of
00:00:21
course immediately run right into the breach, but I always like to see the enemy, right? Like back in the day when
00:00:28
everyone was like, "How dare these anti-gay people?" I'm like, "I can see
00:00:31
them. It's the ones I can't see I'm worried about." And so I like to I see
00:00:36
what their move is. And so now it's an easier person to fight when you see who
00:00:41
they are and what they're up to. And what they're up to is very typical of
00:00:44
autocracies is try to slowly bring it down. I do think there's a lashback because we do have so many tools
00:00:50
available to us and power has shifted from uh the typical broadcast networks to people like us to others.
00:00:58
Consequences of being such incredible morons is what's going to happen. And again, I think Brendan Carr is an
00:01:05
embarrassment and will end it will end badly for him eventually. Just because you don't know the end of the story
00:01:10
doesn't mean that's how it's going to end. That's how I look at things.

Episode Highlights

  • The Fight for Free Speech
    Scott discusses the chilling effects on free speech and the role of alternative media.
    “I like your optimism. What about the Gawker media lawsuit?”
    @ 00m 09s
    March 17, 2026
  • Visibility of Opponents
    The importance of knowing your opponents in the battle for rights is emphasized.
    “I like to see the enemy, right?”
    @ 00m 28s
    March 17, 2026
  • Uncertain Outcomes
    A reminder that the future is unpredictable, even in dire situations.
    “Just because you don't know the end of the story doesn't mean that's how it's going to end.”
    @ 01m 09s
    March 17, 2026

Episode Quotes

  • I like to see the enemy, right?
    Kara Swisher's Free Speech Warning: "They Can Chill People"
  • Consequences of being such incredible morons is what's going to happen.
    Kara Swisher's Free Speech Warning: "They Can Chill People"

Key Moments

  • Chilling Free Speech00:03
  • Alternative Media Rise00:04
  • Concerns About Autocracy00:42
  • Power Shift00:52
  • Unpredictable Endings01:09