Reaching Out to Tim Cook in the Fight for Democracy
In these challenging times, as the future of America’s democracy hangs in the balance, we are witnessing unprecedented influence from powerful figures on our electoral process. Today, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk for allegedly violating election laws by leveraging his vast platform and resources to sway votes towards a specific candidate. This interference has raised concerns nationwide, serving as a stark reminder of the risks we face. When powerful figures attempt to tip the scales, it becomes clear: we, as a society, have a limited window to safeguard democracy.
Neutrality Sparks Resignations: Washington Post and LA Times Face Internal Backlash Over Non-Endorsement in Pivotal Election Year
The Washington Post chose not to endorse a candidate, a departure from historical practices, sparking further resignations and over 200,000 subscribers cancelling their subscriptions putting Jeff Bezos, owner of the newspaper, in the spot light for remaining silent. This trend has underscored a broader movement among media owners to avoid political endorsements, which some critics attribute to fears of alienating readers and potential legal repercussions from influential figures in government. The decision by these media outlets reflects a shifting landscape where even established publications hesitate to take a stand, fueling concerns about the accountability and role of media in supporting democratic processes.
Similarly, The Los Angeles Times decisions to stay neutral in the 2024 election have sparked significant backlash and led to resignations among their staff as well. At the Los Angeles Times, owner Patrick Soon-Shiong’s directive to avoid endorsing any candidate reportedly aimed to maintain neutrality amid a polarized political landscape. In his official statement on X, formerly Twitter, Patrick Soon-Shiong wrote the following:
So many comments about the @latimes Editorial Board not providing a Presidential endorsement this year. Let me clarify how this decision came about. The Editorial Board was provided the opportunity to draft a factual analysis of all the POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE policies by EACH candidate during their tenures at the White House, and how these policies affected the nation. In addition, the Board was asked to provide their understanding of the policies and plans enunciated by the candidates during this campaign and its potential effect on the nation in the next four years. In this way, with this clear and non-partisan information side-by-side, our readers could decide who would be worthy of being President for the next four years. Instead of adopting this path as suggested, the Editorial Board chose to remain silent and I accepted their decision. Please #vote.
This decision, however, was met with frustration and many subscribers canceling their subscriptions, as several staff members saw it as a missed opportunity to support democratic values during a critical election. Internally, employees expressed concerns that this lack of endorsement allowed political figures, including Donald Trump, to claim that even media in his opponent’s home state lacked confidence in her—a claim that some staff worried could erode public trust in the outlet’s impartiality. Many employees felt that the paper’s silence on this issue compromised its integrity and role as a democratic watchdog, resulting in heightened tensions and discussions over journalistic responsibility and the potential long-term impact on readership loyalty.
The influence of individuals like Musk poses a daunting question: if government institutions, media outlets, and even judicial measures are not enough to curb such interference, who will take a stand? Now more than ever, it’s vital that other respected leaders step in to protect the integrity of the electoral process. Figures like Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, have a unique opportunity to leverage their platforms to empower the public with clear, balanced information. Informed voters are the bedrock of a healthy democracy, and it’s essential that we support them in making sound, unbiased choices.
This brings me to my own efforts. As a regular citizen, I felt compelled to create a podcast episode, “2024 Election: Defining America's Future—AI, Climate, and Rights on the Line.” This episode which you can listen to here on Apple Podcasts or Spotify seeks to provide undecided voters and those influenced by the high-profile power plays a chance to hear an honest, balanced exploration of what’s truly at stake. In this spirit, I reached out to Tim Cook with a request to feature this episode on Apple Podcasts. Below is the content of my email, shared in the hope of fostering transparency and inspiring others to use their voices and platforms for positive change.
Subject: Request for Feature: "2024 Election: Defining America's Future—AI, Climate, and Rights on the Line" on Apple Podcasts
Dear Mr. Cook,
I am reaching out to request your support in featuring an episode of my podcast, AI Podcast Therapy, titled “2024 Election: Defining America's Future—AI, Climate, and Rights on the Line” on Apple Podcasts. This episode, submitted for review, delves into critical issues at stake in the 2024 U.S. election, including AI regulation, climate change, economic recovery, and reproductive rights. I believe it could significantly benefit undecided voters seeking insights into the platforms of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump and the potential impact of their policies on the future of America.
The episode offers a balanced and in-depth analysis of the candidates' stances, with real-life audio recordings from Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, Liz Cheney, and Bruce Springsteen, bringing authenticity and relevance to the discourse. We tackle urgent topics like the Artificial Intelligence Accountability Act and the far-reaching consequences of Project 2025. Given the importance of these discussions, I would be incredibly grateful if Apple Podcasts could feature this episode in time for the weekend before Election Day, ideally on November 2nd or 3rd, enabling families to engage with the content in a timely and meaningful setting.
Apple Podcasts plays an influential role in shaping public understanding on crucial matters, and this episode aligns with that mission. Featuring this episode could provide listeners with the information they need to make informed choices about America’s future and the democratic principles we all value.
The episode is available here: Podcast Link
Our outreach plan will amplify this feature, utilizing Apple Podcasts' marketing tools, social media channels, paid advertisements, and collaborations with prominent supporters of the Harris-Biden administration. Additionally, we will leverage AI-generated content to create a unique, engaging viewer experience across YouTube and other platforms, driving engagement and expanding visibility.
Thank you for your consideration, and for helping to make critical voices and perspectives accessible to all Americans.
Sincerely,
Kevin Bihan-Poudec
Founder, Voice for Change Foundation
As citizens, we must embrace every avenue available to preserve democracy. We are each responsible for ensuring voters have access to the facts they need to navigate this election’s critical choices. Tim Cook’s support could amplify that mission, giving millions the chance to make informed decisions. In times like these, we must use our voices boldly, for America’s future depends on it.
