5 chapters across the catalog
Strategy 24, "Take the Line of Least Expectation," is illustrated with a story from the show "Billions" about a father who occasionally "kicks the table over" to keep his family compliant. The hosts apply this to Scott Adams (creator of Dilbert), suggesting his controversial public statements were a calculated "extraordinary" move to transition his audience to independent platforms.
Newspapers across the United States, including the Washington Post and USA Today, dropped the Dilbert comic strip following comments made by creator Scott Adams. Adams reacted to a Rasmussen Reports poll regarding the phrase "It's okay to be white," labeling Black Americans a "hate group" and advising white people to "get the hell away." The hosts begin analyzing whether Adams was being sincere or performing a social experiment.
The discussion shifts to Scott Adams' history of "noodling" in people's heads to provoke reactions. Mo suggests that Adams' recent controversy might be a distraction from the "L's" he took regarding his previous stances on the COVID-19 vaccine. They explore the idea that racism has a built-in fan base that immediately exalts figures who make provocative racial statements.
A brief discussion focuses on the material wealth of Scott Adams, including his large home with an indoor tennis court and heated floors. Adam Curry shares his own experience with heated marble floors in Amsterdam. They conclude that Adams' personal comfort is not at risk regardless of his professional cancellation.
Donald Trump is described as a master of persuasion who uses "big noise" and branding nicknames like "Sleepy Joe" and "Low Energy Jeb" to dominate the media cycle. Unlike Obama's polished style, Trump's approach is characterized as authentic and unscripted, functioning like a "useful idiot" who shares opinions on everything. The hosts credit his success to his ability to force opponents into "beefs" that bring them down to his level.
