Michael Lewis, the well-known author of "The Big Short," has started a massive marketing push this week for his most recent book, which follows the difficult journey of Sam Bankman-Fried, the troubled co-founder and former CEO of FTX. The book, titled "Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon," examines several periods of Bankman-Fried's life and reveals his opinion that everything has been "gamified."
On "60 Minutes," Michael Lewis interviews the founder of FTX. Critics Question His Viewpoint
Author Michael Lewis from the United States, known for his works "Moneyball," "The Blind Side," "The Big Short," and "Flash Boys," is currently promoting his latest book, which is about Sam Bankman-Fried from FTX. Lewis recently spoke with "60 Minutes" about Bankman-Fried after spending a lot of time with the lead.
According to Lewis, FTX "actually had a great real business — If no one had ever cast aspersions on the business, if there hadn't been a run on customer deposits, they'd still be sitting there making tons of money."
Lewis explained that Bankman-Fried concentrated on a number of important issues, such as pandemic prevention, effective altruism, and battling elements that are allegedly harming democracy.
Lewis claims that Bankman-Fried even considered giving Donald Trump $5 billion in exchange for his withdrawal from the race. Lewis mentioned the purported offer, saying, "The number that was kicking around when I was talking to Sam about this was $5 billion."
The author also noted that Bankman-Fried spent the entire interview playing a video game during his first appearance on television. Lewis also revealed that Bankman-Fried developed a tight relationship with seven-time Super Bowl victor Tom Brady despite having a more eccentric attitude.
Lewis said that Brady "just thought he was a really interesting person." "I believe he enjoyed hearing what he had to say,"
On the other hand, many viewers disapproved of Lewis' 60 Minutes appearance and mocked his claim that FTX ran a successful, legal firm. Lewis, in the words of Swan Bitcoin expert Sam Callahan, "doesn't seem to understand that FTX was an exchange, not a bank, meaning it was supposed to have its users' assets backed 1:1 at all times."
Callahan added detail:
The fact that there was a "run on customer deposits" shouldn't matter. There was no real company operating here. It was a whole scam.
Alex Berenson, a former New York Times columnist, called Lewis' views "insane." "How insane it is is nearly difficult to describe. I worry that Michael Lewis may have some form of early-onset dementia if he truly thinks that [Sam Bankman-Fried] is a victim in this situation. I am not kidding. Why is he saying it if he doesn't? Berenson penned.
When asked what Bankman-Fried was most afraid of if he were given a 100-year term in prison, Lewis answered that he was most afraid of losing internet connection. The author said, "I do believe that he could live in jail forever if he had access to the internet.
What do you think of Michael Lewis' interview and his interpretation of Sam Bankman-Fried? Post your ideas and viewpoints on this topic in the comments area below.