El Podcast

E81: How Lobbyists Rule the Government w/ Brody Mullins

Episode Summary

This conversation delves into the influence of lobbying on government policy, the undisclosed number of lobbyists, the ethical implications of government officials owning stocks in regulated companies, and the impact of media on public perception and policy decisions. The Wolves of K Street is a deep dive into the world of corporate lobbying and its impact on government policy. The book explores the rise and fall of corporate power in Washington, shedding light on the influence of lobbyists and the complex relationship between big money and big government. Brody Mullins, the author, shares insights on the changing landscape of lobbying, the impact of corporate power, and the future of antitrust laws.

Episode Notes

Investigative journalist Brody Mullins reveals how corporate lobbying has quietly become more powerful than Congress and the presidency, shaping U.S. policy from the shadows.

Guest Bio:Brody Mullins is a Pulitzer Prize–winning investigative reporter at The Wall Street Journal, where he covers lobbying, business, and campaign finance. He is the co-author of The Wolves of K Street: The Secret History of How Big Money Took Over Big Government, which chronicles the rise of corporate influence in Washington.

Discussed Topics:

• How lobbying has evolved from steak dinners to sophisticated public campaigns
• The undercounting of lobbyists and rise of “shadow lobbying”
• Insider stock trading and conflicts of interest among federal officials
• The post-Watergate shift that decentralized congressional power
• How corporations now lobby to harm competitors, not just reduce regulation
• Big Tech’s lobbying dominance and lessons learned from Microsoft’s missteps
• How lobbying distorts antitrust enforcement and policymaking
• The revolving door between Capitol Hill and K Street
• Whether we're witnessing the beginning of corporate lobbying’s decline

Top Quote:
“Corporate America actually has more influence over public policy than the president of the United States or Congress combined.” — Brody Mullins