RantCrush Top 5: October 31, 2016

Peter Thiel is very much a pioneer on many fronts. But as a member of the young billionaire’s club and a pillar in Silicon Valley, he’s taking a very alternative route. He is supporting Donald Trump this election. While most mainstream Siliconians are dumping tons of donations on Hillary Clinton, Peter Thiel has gotten loud and proud on why he wants Trump to be in the White House.

Peter Thiel on Donald Trump: “We’re at such a crucial point that you have to overlook personal characteristics” https://t.co/G9MXVowprp

— The New York Times (@nytimes) October 30, 2016

But he’s being shunned and shamed for this position. In a quote from a NYTimes expose, Thiel responded:

I was surprised by the intensity. This is one of the few times I was involved in something that was not a fringe effort but was mainstream. Millions of people are backing Trump. I did not appreciate quite how polarizing the election would be in Silicon Valley and elsewhere.

Now Thiel is swatting accusations that his beliefs are very close to those of alternative-right wingers.

I’m going to see Peter Thiel speak on Halloween at the press club. Would it be weird to wear my slutty Pepe costume?

— Cassandra Fairbanks (@CassandraRules) October 28, 2016

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