Google Campaigns for ‘Neutral’?

In the WSJ today on page A8 of the print edition the headline reads “Google CEO Backs Obama”. In and of itself, that’s fine because it’s a free country and I am grateful for that freedom. Now, I immediately go to the fact that there are business and political implications here for sure and that makes me a little queasy. What got me kind of riled up though is the sub headline which reads “Schmidt to Hit Campaign Trail but Says Company is ‘Neutral’”. Huh? The head of one of the most powerful companies on the planet is campaigning for a candidate and the company is neutral? I guess I am insulted because it is my hope that the folks at the Google Plex don’t think that we ‘commoners’ are that stupid to buy that spin.

To be completely transparent, I know how I am voting. I am not a swing vote person so this doesn’t sway me. So my official position is completely clear, here it is: I don’t think that either ticket has what it takes to be the ‘savior’ that everyone is looking for. I believe there are serious and potentially catastrophic flaws on both sides of this election so I take literally no solace in whoever ends up in the office. I will respect the office because we are called to do that as Americans but I think we are simply voting for which set of screw ups we want to deal with and tolerate for the next four years. Cynical? I suppose but we are talking about POLITICS after all.

Here’s the funny thing. Right now Google is under increased lawmaker and regulatory scrutiny for a variety of reasons and Schmidt is openly endorsing a candidate who wants more regulation and scrutiny. So here 2 plus 2 does not equal 4. As you read on though, I think you see what the real reason is for this support. While Mr. Schmidt is apparently adamant in his denial of any political aspirations (his response to the question regarding his entering the political arena was “Hell no!”) he lives in a day and age where what is said one day means nothing until the action of the next day. In other words, it sounded good at the time but I don’t believe him and here’s why. Mr. Obama is supposedly creating a CTO (Chief Technology Officer) post in his administration and Schmidt may have his eyes on that. Now, there is Google power but a post like that could be incredible power.

Hey, it’s a free country and that’s what makes it great. One of things that would make it greater though is if people were just honest and open rather than manipulative and condescending as it appears both Mr. Schmidt and Google are with this neutrality claim. They can’t think we are that stupid, can they?

Well, I guess come November 5th I still have to wake up and do business regardless of the outcome of the election. Also, I will still help people do business with Google. It’s pretty funny actually. I needed this article to remind me that politics and in particular politicians don’t affect me really …… unless I let them.