The Daily Punch The Readback: What is Brendan Carr up to?
Dec 20, 2025
Diego Munoz, a keen tech reporter with Punchbowl News, dives into the intricate world of AI on the campaign trail for 2026, discussing how political factions and super PACs may unleash unprecedented spending. He highlights the ideological divides surrounding AI, showcasing unusual bipartisan alliances. The conversation turns heated with Brendan Carr’s confrontations on Capitol Hill and his ambitious efforts to revive the FCC's public interest standard. Diego rounds off with insights on what to watch in film, including Ethan Hawke's latest project.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
AI Could Be Crypto 2.0 In Politics
- AI could become 'crypto 2.0' in campaign finance with massive super PAC spending.
- Competing bipartisan groups are already mobilizing large sums on both pro- and anti-AI sides.
Big-Dollar Super PACs On Both Sides
- Leading the Future plans to spend about $100 million backing pro-AI candidates and causes in midterms.
- Opposing groups like Americans for Responsible AI are raising roughly $50 million to push for regulation and counter those efforts.
Bipartisan Push For AI Regulation
- The pro-regulation super PAC is bipartisan, aiming to spend against pro-AI influence and for strong export controls to China.
- They will back candidates across parties who favor federal and state AI safety measures.