Welcome to this pro rata, where we take just 10 minutes to get you smarter on the collision of tech, business, and politics.

Sponsored by Silicon Valley Bank, Ideas Bank here. I'm Dan Permac on today's show, new troubles for the Sprint T-Mobile merger and the real meaning of a life sentence.

But first, billionaires battle back.

So Bill Gates isn't someone who should be considering a vote for Donald Trump next November.

He is a big tech mogul from the Pacific Northwest.

He believes strongly in climate change, gives away most of his money,

and has a much, much more gentle public demeanor. But when asked during a

recent New York Times deal book conference what he'd do if faced with a choice between Trump and

Warren, he officially dodged the question, but then left little doubt of his disdain for at least

one of Warren's signature policies. I've paid over 10 billion in taxes. I paid more than anyone in taxes.

But I, you know, I'm glad to have, you know, if I'd had to pay 20 billion, it's fine.

But, you know, when you say I should pay 100 billion, okay, then I'm starting to do a little math

about what I have left over.

And Gates isn't alone.

All sorts of other billionaires and multimillionaires appear to be both terrified and offended

by the idea of a Warren presidency.

Just days earlier, hedge fund manager Leon Cooperman literally cried about it on CNBC.

Now, the idea of taxing the rich isn't new,

particularly in Democratic Party politics,

but with Warren and Bernie Sanders,

it's not just a means to an end.

In large part, it's the end itself,

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