Точка Синхронізації

Journalist Major Garrett interviewed authors Brody and Luke Mullins on the latest edition of the political podcast "The Takeout," released on May 26, to examine their investigative new book, "The Wolves of K Street." During the broadcast in Washington, D.C., the brothers detailed their research into the profound evolution of the corporate lobbying industry over the last several decades, arguing that the systematic growth of special interest influence has distanced legislative outcomes from the needs of the general public. The conversation served as a critical look at how the machinery of political persuasion has transformed the American democratic process since the late 20th century. Brody Mullins, a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter for The Wall Street Journal, and Luke Mullins, a contributing writer at Politico Magazine, spent years tracking the families and firms that built the modern lobbying powerhouse. Their book posits that the rise of K Street was not an accident but a calculated move by corporate America to seize control of the regulatory environment. By documenting the rise of influential figures and agencies, the Mullins brothers illustrate how a handful of individuals shifted the power balance in Washington from elected officials toward private interests. The authors explained that this entrenchment of professional influencers has led to a "pay-to-play" culture where policy decisions are increasingly dictated by financial contributions rather than constituent demands. Major Garrett and his guests explored several case studies from the book, highlighting how specific legislative victories for multinational corporations often came at a direct cost to social welfare and public trust. The discussion emphasized that the modern lobbying era has created a cycle of dependency where lawmakers rely on the expertise and resources of the very industry leaders they are supposed to regulate. Ultimately, the episode provides a sobering reflection on the current state of American governance, suggesting that reform is difficult when the system itself is designed to favor well-funded interests. By shedding light on the internal mechanics of K Street, the Mullins brothers hope to spark a broader conversation about transparency and the urgent need for structural changes to restore public faith in the legislative process. The interview concludes that without significant intervention, the gap between corporate wins and the common good will likely continue to widen.