Meet the Politician the AI Industry Is Trying to Stop - Odd Lots Recap

Podcast: Odd Lots

Published: 2025-12-18

Duration: 47 minutes

Guests: Alex Bores

Summary

Alex Bores, a New York State Assembly Member, is being targeted by a $100 million AI industry super PAC for his efforts to regulate AI through the RAISE Act. The episode explores the implications of AI regulation and its political and economic impacts.

What Happened

The episode centers on Alex Bores, a New York State Assembly Member, who is facing opposition from a newly formed $100 million AI super PAC named Leading the Future. This super PAC is targeting Bores due to his push for AI regulation, which is seen as a threat to the industry. The episode delves into the details of the RAISE Act, a legislative proposal by Bores that would set safety standards for advanced AI research. The Act mandates major AI companies to have public safety plans and report critical safety incidents, with fines ranging up to $30 million for repeated violations.

Bores, who has a tech background and is the first Democrat in New York State elected with a degree in computer science, argues that regulation is necessary to prevent the AI industry from prioritizing profit over safety. He mentions the bipartisan support the RAISE Act has received, with all Republican state senators voting for it, highlighting the act's broad appeal.

The discussion touches on the geopolitical aspects of AI, particularly the competition between the US and China. Bores points out that China uses techniques like knowledge distillation to advance its AI capabilities despite export controls.

The episode also examines the potential impacts of AI on politically sensitive areas, such as labor markets, electricity costs, and wealth inequality. Bores argues that without regulation, AI could exacerbate these issues, leading to greater social and economic divides.

Bores highlights the importance of tracking government performance and results, using data to evaluate the effectiveness of legislation. He cites examples like the increase in fines for telemarketers as evidence of successful regulatory measures.

The episode concludes with a discussion on the role of technology in politics and the need for informed decision-making by political leaders who understand the technological landscape. Bores emphasizes that regulation should not stifle innovation but ensure that technology serves the public good.

Key Insights

• A newly formed AI super PAC, Leading the Future, has amassed $100 million to oppose New York State Assembly Member Alex Bores due to his advocacy for AI regulation through the RAISE Act.
• The RAISE Act proposes mandatory public safety plans for major AI companies and imposes fines up to $30 million for repeated safety violations, aiming to prioritize safety over profit in AI development.
• Despite U.S. export controls, China advances its AI capabilities using techniques like knowledge distillation, highlighting the geopolitical competition in AI technology.
• The potential unregulated impact of AI on labor markets, electricity costs, and wealth inequality could deepen social and economic divides, according to concerns raised in the episode.