Lehigh professor says AI debate shifts to negative in midterms

Chris Borick, a political science professor at Leigh University, stated that artificial intelligence has become a major issue in several races over the past few months. He observed that the political rhetoric surrounding the technology differs sharply from past discussions about other new technologies.

Borick explained that the traditional view of technology in the political economy has shifted in the last year. He said political positions on AI have become much more neutral and sometimes negative.

"We like tech traditionally as part of our political economy. That’s really changed in the last year, where you see a much more neutral and sometimes negative political position on AI," Borick said.

The political calculus for AI has moved from positive to negative in both red and blue states. Borick attributed this change to a recent backlash and noted that the shift mirrors public attitudes about AI's effects on society, the economy, and local communities.

Shobita Parthasarathy, a public policy professor at the University of Michigan, said both Republican and Democratic candidates have tapped into these concerns. However, she noted noticeable differences in how the two parties discuss the issue.

Parthasarathy said Republicans have maintained a closer position with AI companies over the past year. She argued that this alignment leads them to focus on cost issues rather than broader topics, making them less likely to propose a moratorium.

Borick added that at the local level, conservatives, liberals, Republicans, and Democrats often align in opposition to data centers. He said this cross-party opposition creates the potential for political realignments.

A recent poll of Iowa and Ohio voters published online for SEMAFOR found that the vast majority of those surveyed want greater regulation of artificial intelligence.