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POLITICO Tech

Ex-Microsoft chief Steve Ballmer thinks numbers will save us

Jun 14, 2024
Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer discusses the importance of data and USAFacts' mission to present government data clearly. The conversation dives into AI, politics, and data, emphasizing the need for a legal framework. Ballmer also explores the challenges of navigating politicization in non-political issues and the dynamics of the upcoming 2024 election. Additionally, the podcast covers his philanthropic efforts, nonpartisan support for democracy, and the complexities of managing political views within tech companies.
29:14

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Numbers are seen as the antidote to political disinformation and partisan policymaking by Steve Ballmer.
  • Steve Ballmer believes in the transformative potential of artificial intelligence despite short-term hype.

Deep dives

Importance of Government Data Collection by USA Facts

Steve Ballmer discusses the importance of USA Facts, a nonprofit venture he launched to collect government data in a more consumable manner. He emphasizes the significance of numbers over partisanship, highlighting the need for politicians to engage with data for at least 10 to 15 minutes to make a difference. Ballmer's commitment to making government data accessible and less partisan underscores his belief in the power of objective information.

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