It's not only about the "pull" over merit as you state it but about politically established priorities that harm good businesses. Just as the US cloud business

It's not only about the "pull" over merit as you state it but about politically established priorities that harm good businesses. Just as the US cloud business was harmed by the NSA when national security (and intl. espionage) was put above competitiveness. Those political priorities still come from "Washington" and rule over NY (or Silicon Valley). Both cities are meant within context of the book.