donald trump [Archival audio], Frankly, I believe it was the greatest political movement ever. Nothing like this has ever happened in this country, and probably outside it too.
Leah Fieger: The victory was decisive, almost stunning. Many of us are still figuring out the big factor that pushed the country to the right. However, here at WIRED, we have a theory, and we've been reporting on it for a while: Elon Musk.
donald trump [Archival audio], Who did you say?
[Archival audio], Elon.
donald trump [Archival audio], Oh, let me tell you. We have a new star. A star is born, Elon.
Leah Fieger: it's wired politics laboratoryA show about how technology is changing politics. I'm Leah Fieger, senior politics editor at WIRED. As we discussed on the show a few weeks ago, Elon has jumped into the political conversation in a big way this cycle, endorsing Trump, joining him at rallies, and hauling more than a hundred million dollars behind him. Invested money. Did his influence make a difference to Trump and what will happen now? Joining me today to talk about all this is Tim Marchman, WIRED's director of science, politics and security. Hey, Tim.
Tim Marchman: Hey, glad to be here.
Leah Fieger: Glad you're here too. WIRED senior reporter Vittoria Elliott is also joining. Hey, Tori.
Vittoria Elliot: Hey, Leah.
Leah Fieger: Quick check-in guys. How are you both?
Vittoria Elliot: I don't know what day it is today.
Tim Marchman: I really just want to go to the park and read a Victorian novel, or play shuffleboard or something.
Vittoria Elliot: that sounds great. Honestly, I wish someone would ask me to spend some time at the beach like they used to do.
Leah Fieger: Instead of spending time at the beach and reading Victorian novels in the park, we should just talk about Elon Musk. Correct? I also find this incredibly funny.
Tim Marchman: I think we'll be talking about Elon Musk for the next four years. I, for one, can't wait.
Leah Fieger: Let's join in. So, the big question for me and I think probably for all of us is, did Elon Musk do it? Is he responsible for Trump's victory, or at least largely responsible, very responsible, largely responsible? What do you think?