Episode 274: Our New Normal… Is Abby

December 2, 2025

Central Thesis

Ad-supported media obscures corporate wrongdoing, specifically the RealPage scandal, thereby undermining public discourse and enabling the continued exploitation of renters. The settlement with RealPage exemplifies the corruption inherent in a system where powerful corporations can influence governmental regulatory bodies to protect their profits.

Key Arguments

• Media's Silence: The Wall Street Journal avoids reporting on RealPage's legal troubles because it would alienate advertisers and subscribers who profit from the software. Profit motives silence truth.
• Ineffective Antitrust: The settlement with RealPage is a toothless measure that allows the company to continue its exploitative practices through loopholes. Behavioral remedies lack teeth.
• Executive Branch Interference: The Trump administration's Department of Justice, influenced by lobbyists connected to the president, settled with RealPage, prioritizing corporate interests over consumer protection. Regulation is impotent.
• Regulatory Capture: The Department of Justice prioritized a quick settlement over a thorough prosecution, potentially weakening ongoing lawsuits by states and cities. Collusion continues.
• Algorithmic Collusion Beyond Rent: The failure to aggressively prosecute RealPage sets a precedent for other industries to engage in similar algorithmic price-fixing. Systemic problems multiply.
• Trumpian Doublespeak: The then-Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater's announcement is framed as a victory for consumers while actually benefiting RealPage and its parent company. Sincerity is feigned.

Notable Passages

• "When you are the publisher of a big, one that relies both on subscriptions and advertising, from people and organizations wealthy enough to pay you what you charge, there are certain topics you simply don't bring up in your reporting."
• "Antitrust did not fall back first onto a stiletto. They stabbed it in the back and then they pushed it. And when they killed antitrust, they killed all hope of regulation."
• "This Department of Justice has taken a major step... This Department of Justice. Not THE Department of Justice. This one. As if it's the only one that matters. All the others? Heel scraped, to shit."
• "Even the haters. For a sitting National Assistant Attorney General of any kind to say something like that? That is just... Abby normal."

Rhetorical Approach

Jim uses a sardonic and frustrated tone to expose the hypocrisy and ineffectiveness of regulatory systems. He combines detailed factual analysis of the RealPage case with humor and personal commentary, frequently interrupting himself to express his outrage. His rhetorical flourishes involve cultural references and dramatic interpretations of events, making abstract arguments emotionally resonant. He uses quotes from news articles, legal announcements, and film to mock authority figures.

Connections

• Episode 219: "Not Totally Without Historical Significance", Episode 246: Why The Rent Is Too Damned High, and Episode 248: More Reasons For Real Worry: Referenced as prior discussions of the housing market crisis.
• Bonus Episode, Senator John Sherman's address to the Senate: Referenced to show a historical neglect of antitrust laws.
• Episode 268: Rich Uncle Money-Bork, Welfare Queen, Rich Uncle Moneybork, Welfare Queen: Referenced as a past commentary on social injustice.
• Matt Stoller: Jim cites Stoller's newsletter Big as a primary source.
• Young Frankenstein: Jim quotes the film for comedic effect in relation to Abigail Slater's name and actions.