there is this theory, almost Rousseauian, although everybody disclaims this aspect of Rousseau, that the popular will is prior and independent of institutional circumstances, so no matter who owns the presses or how elaborately the campaigns are financed, the electorate will do its own will. 1/

i find that absurd and ridiculous, there is no “popular will” independent of institutions that constitute it, which include electoral institutions and “the press”. 2/

but if you buy the absurd and ridiculous claim, it doesn’t matter if every tweet is from Elon, the populus ultimately overcomes any information problems (in economicsese we might say has perfect information), and would only be affected by Elon’s machinations if it is persuaded on the merits. 3/

while we are discussing 18th C French intellectuals, in addition to Rousseau we might tip a hat to Voltaire, and his Dr. Pangloss. /fin