In Bed With The Right Episode 127 -- Bari Weiss, Part 2
Mar 17, 2026
A deep dive into the media rise of Bari Weiss and the institutions she reshaped. They trace her shift from newsroom critic to media entrepreneur and fundraiser. The conversation examines Silicon Valley’s anti‑woke vibe, contentious Free Press reporting, and her messy tenure at CBS. They also explore the University of Austin saga and risks of right‑wing consolidation of mainstream outlets.
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Vibe Shift Made Tech Billionaires Back Her
- Silicon Valley funders embraced Weiss during the post‑COVID 'vibe shift' because her anti‑woke messaging matched wealthy tech elites' grievances.
- Adrian Daub links pandemic indignities and cultural backlash among top VCs to this funding pipeline.
Charm Worked As Her Currency With Donors
- Weiss is described as exceptionally charming in private, which helps her recruit wealthy allies and staff despite weak on‑camera performance.
- Hosts recount multiple accounts that her room presence and strategic warmth convert potential funders and hires.
Billionaire Money Scaled A Newsletter Into A Media Outlet
- Wealthy donors including Marc Andreessen, David Sachs and Howard Schultz seeded the Free Press with over $1M, enabling rapid expansion and multimedia products.
- The money transformed a newsletter into a staffed opinion outlet with podcasts and video.
