330K views · Nov 3, 2018 · 39:28 · 1 HN recommender · 3 mentions · discussed 2020–2022
A 39-minute highlights reel of Bill Gates being deposed by David Boies in the 1998 to 2001 United States v. Microsoft antitrust case.
Why Hacker News points people here: HN cites it as a view of Gates evading questions and sparring with a top lawyer.
“He just seems like a bit of a smug nerd who's clearly enjoying going toe-to-toe with one of the country's top lawyers.”HN comment, 2022
“I did see this video recently and found it interesting.”
Highlights of Gates' antitrust deposition
I don't expect you to change your mind because confirmation bias is a powerful force. I did see this video recently and found it interesting. Have you seen it? "Bill Gates - Microsoft Antitrust Deposition - Highlights" this video
“A: It's an attribute of the e-mail.”
Deposition excerpt of Gates evading questions about an email
Q: Okay. Let me ask you to look at Trial Exhibit 560. This is a message from you to Mr. Ballmer and Mr. Chase with a copy to Mr. Maritz and some other people also given copies dated August 15, 1997 at 4:07 p.m. on the subject of IBM and Netscape; correct? A: Uh-huh Q: BY MR. BOIES: And you type in here Importance: High." A: No. Q: No? A: No, I didn't type that. Q: Who typed in "High"? A: A computer. Q: A computer. Why did the computer type in "High"? A: It's an attribute of the e-mail. Q: And who set the attribute of the e-mail? A: Usually the sender sends that attribute. Q: Who is the sender here, Mr. Gates? A: In this case it appears I'm the sender. link this video
“He just seems like a bit of a smug nerd who's clearly enjoying going toe-to-toe with one of the country's top lawyers.”
Deposition highlights showing a smug nerd going toe-to-toe with a lawyer
I found a highlights video: this video (I see the full 11 hour deposition is also on YouTube, but I think I'll save that for another day.) So far, being 10 minutes in, I see a little bit of what you mean, but I haven't gotten to anything "unhinged" yet. He just seems like a bit of a smug nerd who's clearly enjoying going toe-to-toe with one of the country's top lawyers. Do you remember anything that jumped out for you from the deposition? I'd love to see more of what you're getting at.
