The Powers That Be: Daily Big Tech’s $100M Democracy Detox Plan
Nov 19, 2025
Ian Krietzberg, a tech and politics reporter, joins to unpack the escalating financial battle between Silicon Valley and political regulators. He reveals how big tech giants are mobilizing millions against lawmakers pushing for AI oversight, detailing the deep-pocketed PAC 'Leading the Future' and its backers like Andreessen Horowitz. Discussing the threats posed by knowledgeable regulators, Ian highlights the complexities of federal versus state regulation and the risk elements that politicians can’t ignore, making this a pivotal moment in campaign politics.
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Alex Boris Becomes First Target
- Leading the Future announced it will target Alex Boris in New York's crowded primary for criticizing AI companies.
- The PAC plans a multimillion-dollar campaign to try to defeat him in NY-12.
Big Tech Funds Political Push Against Regulation
- Major AI investors like Andreessen Horowitz aim to block regulation by funding political campaigns and messaging.
- They frame regulation as anti-innovation and emphasize competition with China to justify freedom from oversight.
States Push While Federal Action Lags
- Politicians balance wanting tech investment with pressure to regulate AI for safety and transparency.
- States like New York push regulation partly because federal action lags, creating tension with industry interests.
