Influence Watch: Two Plus Two Coalition
As of November 2024, the Two Plus Two Coalition was still in the fundraising stage. 1
In an interview with The New Republic, Two Plus Two Coalition senior advisor Rick Wilson claimed “groups like Fox News” promote “this massive disinformation overhang that they’ve gotten away with for so long. And Two Plus Two is going to try to mitigate some of that and to go out and give the center and the center-left some tools to face up to this frankly grotesque movement that’s out there.” 6
Wilson further clarified that the Two Plus Two Coalition will provide support to “allies” in the media to combat disinformation with research and context.
Rick Wilson is a founding senior advisor to the Two Plus Two Coalition.
Rick Wilson, a former Republican political strategist and co-founder of the anti-Trump Lincoln Project, announced that he’s a senior adviser to a new group called the Two Plus Two Coalition. According to the New York Times, the group plans to target Musk and Rupert Murdoch by…
— Jim Geraghty (@jimgeraghty) November 19, 2024
Amac: The Myth of The Never-Trump Republican
The Two Plus Two Coalition looks to be little more than a rebrand effort from Wilson and his allies. Following November 5, however, it remains unclear how many liberal donors are still willing to buy the charade. Across the political spectrum, Wilson’s announcement was met with a mix of ambivalence and criticism.
“This is the same Wilson who assured his social media followers on Election Day, ‘Trump’s going to lose. He’s gonna lose badly,’” Washington Post correspondent Jim Geraghty posted on X. “As you may have heard, things turned out a little differently.”
The New York Times, meanwhile, acknowledged that, despite promises from individuals like Wilson that the never-Trump Republicans will surely “get” Trump and his allies this time, “exhausted liberals seem more inclined to tune out Mr. Trump than fight.”
It’s easy to see why the left is now skeptical of the never-Trump crowd. In both 2020 and 2024, Trump only increased his vote share among self-identified Republicans. Not only that, he increased his overall vote total, and this year became the first Republican nominee to win the popular vote since 2004. The efforts of individuals like Wilson and groups like The Lincoln Project have had precisely the opposite effect as what was promised to liberal dono
The saga of the Two Plus Two Coalition, or as it’s also known, the 2 + 2 Campaign, and its involvement with Elon Musk, represents a fascinating nexus of political strategy, dark money, and ideological warfare in modern American politics.
From their rather Spartan website:
Safeguard democracy
from mass misinformation!
We need your help.Support the 2 + 2 Campaign’s fight to hold FOX News accountable for spreading dangerous lies about the 2020 election. Millions of our fellow citizens risk being duped by these networks into believing their vote doesn’t count. Join us to stand up for the truth and to uphold the sanctity of the vote. Our democracy needs you.
Behold, a website so boldly minimalist, it’s as if Wilson’s developers said, ‘Privacy? Terms? FAQs? Contact? Bah! Who needs the shackles of conventional web decorum when you can have the wild, untamed wilderness of zero accountability and support?
The Players and Their Game: Central to this unfolding drama is Rick Wilson, a strategist whose career is as controversial as it is influential. Known for his biting commentary and role in the Lincoln Project, Wilson’s participation in the Two Plus Two Coalition against Elon Musk adds another layer to his contentious legacy. Critics have not forgotten his past, where allegations of unethical behavior have cast a long shadow over his reputation.
Wilson’s involvement in the 2002 Georgia Senate race, where he produced an ad questioning the patriotism of Democratic Senator Max Cleland, remains a stark example of his willingness to push the boundaries of political advertising ethics. This campaign, which many consider to have crossed a moral line by linking Cleland, a war hero, to Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein, has left a lasting stain on Wilson’s career, with some accusing him of exploiting sensitive national security issues for political gain.
More recently, Wilson’s association with the Lincoln Project has drawn scrutiny. Allegations emerged regarding the organization’s handling of financial matters, including significant payments to firms linked to its founders, which raised questions about self-dealing. Furthermore, the controversy surrounding co-founder John Weaver’s misconduct and the organization’s initial slow response to the allegations have led to calls for accountability from within and outside the group.
Wilson’s decision to engage in what’s been described as a “military-grade” spying operation against Musk, as reported by The New York Times, has reignited debates about his methods and motives. Critics argue that this move not only blurs ethical lines but also weaponizes political and business rivalries, potentially setting a dangerous precedent for how political warfare is conducted in the public eye. This operation against Musk, if true, suggests a willingness to engage in tactics that some might argue are more suited to espionage than to open, democratic political discourse.
In the realm of public opinion, Wilson’s past actions and his current endeavors against Musk have polarized views. Supporters view him as a necessary evil, a counterweight against the rise of Trump and figures like him. However, detractors see this pattern of behavior as indicative of a deeper problem in political strategy where ends justify means, regardless of the ethical implications.
The question now is whether Wilson’s involvement in the Two Plus Two Coalition against Musk will be seen as a legitimate critique of Musk’s political alignments or as another example of Wilson’s controversial tactics. The latter perspective could further erode trust in Wilson’s methods, portraying him not as a defender of democracy but as someone who plays fast and loose with the rules of fair play in politics.
As the narrative unfolds, the focus on Wilson’s past and present actions serves as a reminder of the complex ethical landscape of modern political engagement, where the line between strategy and subterfuge can often be thin. This campaign against Musk, therefore, isn’t just about ideological battles; it’s also a reflection on the integrity of political warfare and the individuals who wage it.
Dmitri Mehlhorn is known for his significant role in financing and strategizing political efforts that counteract figures like Donald Trump. He has been closely associated with Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn, and has become a major financier in Democratic politics. Mehlhorn’s political involvement escalated post-2016, focusing on preventing another Trump presidency. His actions include:
Financial Support: Mehlhorn has invested in organizations that aim to defeat Trump, notably through the investment fund “Investing in US,” which he co-founded with Hoffman. This fund supports groups with the infrastructure to challenge Trump’s political ambitions.
Strategic Guidance: Beyond financial contributions, Mehlhorn has been involved in crafting political strategy, particularly within the Democratic Party. His approach often involves direct financial support to candidates and causes that he believes can sway public opinion away from Trump and similar figures.
Public Advocacy: Mehlhorn has publicly articulated his views on various platforms, including podcasts and articles, where he discusses the need for a strategic overhaul within the Democratic Party to effectively combat the political rise of figures like Trump. His advocacy includes investing in candidates who can appeal to a broader electorate beyond just the party’s traditional base.
Controversial Statements: His involvement has not been without controversy. For instance, after the attempted assassination of Donald Trump in 2024, he emailed journalists suggesting the possibility that the attack might have been staged for political gain, drawing comparisons to tactics used globally to manipulate public opinion and political outcomes. This statement was met with backlash, leading Mehlhorn to issue a public apology, stating his focus should have remained on condemning the violence rather than speculating on conspiracy theories. His involvement with Hoffman in funding various Democratic causes, including efforts to support Joe Biden’s campaign against Trump, underscores his strategic influence within Democratic fundraising and political strategy circles. These actions have positioned Mehlhorn as a central figure in the narrative of how some Democratic operatives perceive and react to political events and their implications.
Military-Grade Intelligence?: The claim of employing a “military-grade intelligence-gathering operation” to target Musk suggests a high level of sophistication and resource allocation. This isn’t just opposition research; it’s a declaration of war in the information space, aiming to uncover and publicize information that could potentially discredit or embarrass Musk. This approach indicates the stakes are high, and the methods employed are meant to be impactful, possibly influencing public perception or even regulatory actions against Musk’s enterprises.
The Political and Ideological Divide: Musk’s political journey has been as tumultuous as it is public, swinging from supporting Democrats to endorsing Trump, which has made him a target for groups like the Two Plus Two Coalition. This shift underscores the fluid nature of political alliances and how quickly public figures can become targets when their political stances evolve.
Implications for Musk and His Businesses: Given Musk’s significant influence in tech, space, and now social media through X (formerly Twitter), any well-orchestrated campaign against him could have repercussions beyond personal reputation. It could affect SpaceX’s government contracts, Tesla’s market position, or how X Corp is perceived in the information ecosystem.
The Broader Political Strategy: This move against Musk could be seen as part of a larger strategy to undermine Trump’s network of support by targeting influential figures who have endorsed him. By doing so, the Coalition might aim to isolate Trump politically, making it harder for him to garner support or influence during his potential presidency or any other political endeavors.
The examination of the “Two Plus Two” coalition, purportedly a group or movement, reveals a stark absence of any wide-ranging support from either private entities or political figures. This lack of backing from influential sectors or established political parties suggests that “Two Plus Two” has not managed to garner significant traction or influence within the political or social landscape. This could imply either a lack of broad appeal, insufficient organizational strategy, or perhaps a focus on niche issues that do not resonate widely enough to attract a coalition of diverse backers. Consequently, without substantial support, its capacity to effect change or to become a formidable force in political or social discourse remains limited, highlighting the challenges faced by smaller groups in mobilizing enough influence to impact larger political or societal debates.
A Defensive Strategy
For Elon Musk:
Public Communication: Musk should continue using platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to communicate directly with the public, providing his side of any story or controversy. This personal touch can humanize his image and make his narrative more compelling than that presented by his detractors.
Legal Action: If there are false claims or defamation, considering legal action can be a deterrent. However, this should be a last resort due to the potential for negative publicity and the perception of using power to silence criticism.
Policy Engagement: Engage more openly in policy discussions, perhaps through think tanks or by funding research that aligns with his views on technology, space, and free speech. This can provide a more academic and structured counter-narrative to any criticism about his business or political stances.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Increase visible commitments to CSR initiatives, especially those that address broader societal issues. This could involve environmental projects, educational programs, or community support initiatives that align with public interest or address criticism directly.
Public Relations Campaigns: Launch PR campaigns that focus on the positive impacts of his companies. This could include case studies, customer testimonials, or even short documentaries showcasing the benefits of innovations like electric vehicles, space exploration, or renewable energy solutions.
Joint Strategy for Both Fox News and Musk:
Collaborative Projects: Perhaps the most effective strategy could be for Fox News and Musk to collaborate on projects or content that highlight innovation, technology, and the intersection of these with public policy. A series on “The Future of Technology in America” could be mutually beneficial, showcasing Musk’s vision and Fox News’ commitment to covering significant developments.
Open Forums or Debates: Hosting open forums or debates where both can address public concerns directly, engage with critics, and discuss the future of media, technology, and governance in a transparent, accessible format.
Educational Initiatives: Together, they could invest in or support educational initiatives that teach media literacy, critical thinking, and the importance of understanding technology’s role in society. This could help in shaping a more informed public, less susceptible to misinformation.
By adopting these strategies, both Fox News and Elon Musk can not only counter the efforts of any group aiming to undermine them but also strengthen their public image, engage more constructively with their audiences, and contribute positively to the broader discourse on media ethics and technological innovation.