Artificial intelligence is upending the internet, warfare, science and the economy. It is also disrupting power in Washington by providing a pathway to relevance for politicians willing to grapple with it.
Ask lawmakers on Capitol Hill who work on AI policy why they’re doing it, and they’ll tell you it’s one of the most pressing issues of our time. Observers point out it’s also politically astute of them to embrace the issue: It’s a fast track to higher name recognition, credibility within their party and the groundwork for a platform to run on.
“Whenever there’s a developing policy or technology that’s also in the news a lot, you always have a lot of ambitious politicians who love to go running towards the light,” said Eddie Vale, a Democratic political consultant.