Welcome to Axis ProRata, a podcast that gets you smarter, faster, on the collision of tech,

business, and politics.

I'm Dan Pramak.

On today's show, big tech heads to Capitol Hill and the media story that should be getting

everyone's attention.

But first, Nike breaks the internet.

Stutterset, move Kaepernick, breaking to the clear, it's a foot race, and nobody will catch

Colin Kaepernick.

Touchdown on a 90-yard run.

Last night, the sneaker maker revealed that former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick will be

one of the faces of its 30th anniversary

marketing campaign with a tagline, believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything.

In a surprise to no one, including Nike, the news was greeted with loud social media cheers and jeers.

So for those who believe Kaepernick is fighting the good fight for racial justice when taking

a knee during the national anthem, Nike's a corporate hero.

For those who believe he's disrespecting the flag, it was a villain, with folks posting videos of burning shoes and otherwise destroying Nike gear, and one guy who cut the swoosh out of the socks, even though that's how you hold up socks.

So from a business perspective, it was a kind of fascinating decision. First, the obvious thing about

taking a polarized political stand. It might make total marketing sense for Nike, given the demographics

of its consumer base and the unique nature of sneaker culture, but plenty of companies have shied

away from doing anything that risks a Trump tweet, no matter the business case. So, no matter

what your point of view is on this,

Nike is certainly displaying courage in its conviction. Also, remember, Nike has a long-term

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