Prof. Vaaler Comments on Presidential Political Factors Affecting Proposed AT&T-Time Warner Merger

Professor Paul Vaaler was interviewed by the Star Tribune's political columnist John Rash and quoted in his column on commentary by presidential candidates and Minnesota senators critical of the proposed acquisition of media firm Time Warner by telecommunications and media giant AT&T. Recent commentary by Minnesota U.S. Senators Franken and Klobuchar as well as U.S. GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump and Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Kaine evinced skepticism about purported consumer benefits and suggested the need for regulatory investigation and perhaps challenge of the acquisition by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Communications Commission. Vaaler noted that it is exceptional to have no "pro-market" presidential candidate, particularly on the GOP ticket, to comment more favorably on a proposed acquisition. He also noted that merger waves in the run-up to an election are more likely when regulatory agencies are more concerned about appearing partisan.