POLITICO Tech

POLITICO reporter Brendan Bordelon discusses the lack of tech focus at the RNC, including discussions on social media, TikTok, AI, and J.D. Vance as Trump's running mate. Topics also include the conservative stance on tech issues, AI conversations at the RNC, and speculation on Trump's possible tech mentions in his speech.

Brookings Institution senior fellow Darrell West discusses J.D. Vance's political rise fueled by tech billionaire Peter Thiel. They explore Thiel's financial support, Vance's views on big tech, and the potential impact of their relationship on future elections.

Cybersecurity expert Chris Krebs discusses tracking social media responses to Trump rally shooting, highlighting misinformation and conspiracy theories. The aftermath of the shooting saw diverse reactions online, including US lawmakers and Russian entities. The discussion also explores political polarization, language of violence in US politics, social media behavior, foreign meddling, conspiracy theories, and reflections on election disinformation and democracy.

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt chats about leveraging Inflation Reduction Act funds for clean tech in his state, attracting investments in solar manufacturing, balancing budget constraints, and using AI to replace state employees for increased efficiency and national prosperity.

Head of the FAA, Michael Whitaker, discusses the government's plan for safe flying cars. Alef Aeronautics CEO, Jim Duchovny, emphasizes the realism of his Model A flying car. The podcast explores the evolution of aviation, safety measures, regulatory hurdles, and the future of personal flight.

Delving into the history and future of flying cars, the podcast explores the fascination with these vehicles, tackling benefits, challenges, and regulations. It also delves into skepticism and futuring, considering attitudes towards flying cars in 2050 and the cultural impact on their development.

Matt Wood from Free Press discusses the Supreme Court ruling on online speech, highlighting the ongoing legal battles in Texas and Florida regarding social media platform moderation of political speech.

Dr. Alondra Nelson discusses the impact of the upcoming election on AI policy, contrasting Biden and Trump's approaches. She highlights the evolution of AI policy in the US and the need to prioritize bias and discrimination issues. Nelson reflects on President Biden's commitment to equitable innovation and emphasizes the importance of maintaining public trust in science and technology policy.

POLITICO healthcare reporter Ruth Reader discusses the impact of better data analysis on reducing opioid deaths. The podcast explores the results of a National Institutes of Health study and how data-driven approaches in Ohio's Lucas County have been successful in combating the opioid crisis. The episode also delves into the challenges and hopes for utilizing data and AI in addressing the epidemic nationwide.

Renée DiResta discusses the power of online influencers in shaping politics, highlighting how they leverage their relationship with audiences to spread disinformation. The podcast also explores the impact of inciting rage for attention, the challenges faced by researchers studying online disinformation, and the shifts in research focus at the Stanford Internet Observatory.