The AI Power Backlash, the NYMag David Ellison profile, Google Personal Intelligence | Diet TBPN

Watch on YouTube ↗  |  January 15, 2026 at 01:58  |  29:40  |  TBPN
Speakers
John Coogan — Co-Host, TBPN
Jordi Hays — Co-Host, TBPN

Summary

The hosts discuss Microsoft's response to political backlash over AI data center power costs, with Microsoft committing to pay higher electricity rates to shield consumers. Other topics include TSMC's Arizona land purchase, the Apple Card transition from Goldman Sachs to JPMorgan, OpenAI's upcoming Super Bowl ad, Google's new Gemini personal intelligence feature, and a New York Magazine profile of David Ellison's Hollywood ambitions. Market implications center on AI infrastructure power constraints and Microsoft's first-mover positioning.

  • Microsoft pledges to cover data center electricity costs to avoid consumer power bill backlash.
  • The move is seen as affordable and politically smart for Microsoft.
  • AI data center buildout faces local opposition and power-cost concerns.
  • TSMC expands Arizona land holdings ahead of potential Taiwan trade deal.
  • JPMorgan is set to replace Goldman Sachs on the Apple Card.
  • OpenAI plans another Super Bowl ad as AI advertising spend rises.
  • Google introduces Gemini personal intelligence across its apps.
  • NYMag profile explores David Ellison's Paramount and Warner Brothers ambitions.
Ideas
John Coogan Co-Host, TBPN 6:32
Microsoft's power concession is cheap and smart.
Microsoft is making a smart, affordable first-mover move by committing to pay higher electricity rates for its data centers, shielding consumers from power-cost backlash. The cost is manageable—a 50% electricity premium would add roughly $1B, less than 1% of operating income—and it buys political goodwill while positioning Microsoft to navigate AI data-center power constraints better than peers. Satya Nadella's leadership and Microsoft's scale make the concession worthwhile.
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This TBPN video, published January 15, 2026, features John Coogan discussing MSFT. 1 trade idea extracted by AI with direction and confidence scoring.

Speakers: John Coogan  · Tickers: MSFT