Astonished: A Dispute between Charles Gasparino and Paul Tice

In a recent exchange highlighted in the Free Beacon, a notable dispute has emerged between journalist Charles Gasparino and finance expert Paul Tice over Gasparino’s book, Go Woke Go Broke: The Inside Story of the Radicalization of Corporate America. The disagreement centers on critical analyses of Wall Street and the influence of woke culture on corporate decision-making.

Dispute Over Book Review

Gasparino has responded robustly to a review penned by Tice, who accused him of offering a lenient portrayal of prominent Wall Street figures, particularly BlackRock CEO Larry Fink. Tice’s critique implies that Gasparino’s book does not adequately scrutinize Fink’s involvement in the adoption and subsequent retreat from Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policies that have stirred public debate.

Gasparino’s Defense

In his defense, Gasparino asserts that his objective was to delve deeply into the psyche of his subjects, including Fink, to understand the motivations behind their corporate agendas. Gasparino contends that Fink himself does not align with Tice’s perspective on the book’s treatment, suggesting that a more nuanced understanding was at play during his research.

Criticism of Tice’s Credentials

Gasparino has also challenged Tice’s credentials, noting that the latter did not reveal his extensive background, including his tenure at BlackRock and his direct work with Fink. Gasparino argues that this omission is critical for readers in evaluating Tice’s viewpoint and presumed biases when assessing the book’s narrative.

Tice’s Rebuttal

In response, Tice maintains that Gasparino should engage with the substantive aspects of his critiques rather than resorting to questioning his motives or qualifications. He contends that Gasparino’s analysis lacks the rigor required to accurately depict the behavior of Wall Street firms regarding ESG issues, which Tice characterizes as excessively flattering.

Broader Context on Woke Culture

The dispute is not merely academic; it reflects a larger conversation about the ramifications of woke culture within corporate America. Gasparino indicates that the backlash against perceived excesses of woke policies—epitomized by situations at Disney, Bud Light, and BlackRock—is influenced by both intensive reporting and the actions of social media users and everyday citizens, who have begun to scrutinize these ideologies more closely.

Role of Conservative Media

Further complicating the narrative is Gasparino’s criticism of conservative media, which he describes as more of an opinion-driven entity rather than an engine for impactful journalism. He argues that this dynamic can dilute the vital conversations surrounding these issues, hindering a genuine understanding of the complexities involved.

Author Background

Gasparino is recognized as a senior correspondent for Fox Business Network and a columnist for the *New York Post*, bringing extensive experience in reporting on financial matters. Conversely, Tice is affiliated with the National Center for Energy Analytics as a senior fellow and serves as an adjunct professor of finance at NYU’s Stern School of Business, lending his own expertise to the broader discourse on corporate governance.

As this dialogue continues, it encapsulates the deep divides and heated discussions surrounding the evolving landscape of corporate America and its interplay with ideological movements.