Microsoft Antitrust Ruling Sparks Controversy, Presidential Hopefuls Remain Silent

Strategic Insights -

Presumptive presidential nominees Al Gore and George W. Bush declined to comment on the court order to break up Microsoft, despite the court's ruling being met with condemnation from Congressional Republicans. The decision, reached by Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson, was seen as a major setback for Microsoft, but its impact on the presidential election is uncertain. Congressional Republicans, however, were quick to express their outrage, with some labeling the decision a "sad day for the American consumer."

Key Takeaways:

  • The court order to break up Microsoft was met with silence from both Al Gore and George W. Bush, despite the decision being a major topic of discussion in the presidential election.
  • Congressional Republicans, led by Senator Don Nickles and Representative Dick Armey, condemned the decision, with some labeling it a "federal department of software regulation."
  • Democrats, however, were more hesitant in their comments, with Senator Patrick J. Leahy urging the government and Microsoft to invest new urgency in trying to reach a settlement.
  • The decision was seen as a major setback for Microsoft, with Senator Patty Murray calling the decision disappointing and Senator Slade Gorton labeling it a "sham."
  • A study by the Center for Responsive Politics found that Microsoft, and individuals and political action committees connected to it, gave candidates and parties about $1.8 million from 1993 to 1998, and an additional $2.2 million in the first 17 months of the current election cycle.
  • The donations were divided almost equally between Democrats and Republicans, with Microsoft's chairman, William H. Gates, making efforts to cater to both parties.

Statistics:

  • The court order to break up Microsoft was issued by Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson.
  • A study by the Center for Responsive Politics found that Microsoft, and individuals and political action committees connected to it, gave candidates and parties about $1.8 million from 1993 to 1998.
  • In the first 17 months of the current election cycle, Microsoft gave $2.2 million to candidates and parties.
  • The donations were divided almost equally between Democrats and Republicans, with 50.2% going to Democrats and 49.8% going to Republicans.
  • Microsoft's chairman, William H. Gates, has made strenuous efforts to cater to Democrats as well as Republicans.

Sources:

  • Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson, court ruling ordering Microsoft to be broken up.
  • A study by the Center for Responsive Politics, "Follow the Money: 1997-98 Elections."
  • A study by the Center for Responsive Politics, "First Half 1999-2000 Federal Election Previews."