The AI debate is already shaping the 2028 election. Here’s where Democratic hopefuls stand

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-26T11:22:54.171Z • Permanent link

Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential frontrunner, has been a vocal advocate for stricter regulations on the development and deployment of artificial intelligence. In a speech at the Stanford University's AI Now Institute last month, she called for increased transparency and accountability in AI decision-making processes. Her proposal includes implementing a federal AI oversight agency to monitor the development and deployment of AI technologies. Meanwhile, Bernie Sanders has been pushing for a complete ban on the development of AI systems that can make life-or-death decisions, citing concerns over bias and job displacement. His plan has been met with criticism from AI experts, who argue that such a ban would hinder the development of beneficial AI applications.

Elon Musk, a well-known AI critic, has been a vocal supporter of Harris's proposal. In a recent interview with The New York Times, he expressed his support for increased regulation of AI development, stating that "we need to make sure that AI is developed in a way that is transparent and accountable to humanity." Musk's company, Neuralink, has been working on developing implantable brain machines that could potentially treat a wide range of medical conditions. However, his skepticism towards AI development has led some to question whether he is more concerned about the potential risks of AI than its benefits.

According to a recent report by the Brookings Institution, the global AI market is expected to reach $190 billion by 2025, with the majority of that growth coming from the development and deployment of AI-powered services. The report highlights the importance of addressing the regulatory challenges posed by the rapid growth of the AI industry. As the 2028 presidential election approaches, the debate over AI development, regulation, and datacenters is likely to become a major focus of the campaign.

The debate over AI development, regulation, and datacenters is not a new issue. The EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was introduced in 2018, in part to address concerns over the use of AI in data collection and processing. Similarly, the Chinese government has been investing heavily in AI research and development, with a focus on developing AI-powered services that can improve the efficiency of the country's vast data infrastructure. However, these efforts have also been met with criticism from human rights groups, who argue that the use of AI in data collection and processing is a threat to individual privacy and autonomy.

Regulatory approaches to AI development have also been shaped by historical comparisons. The development of the internet, for example, was initially met with concerns over its potential impact on society. However, as the internet became more widespread, it was recognized as a powerful tool for economic development and social progress. Similarly, the development of AI has the potential to bring about significant economic and social benefits, but it also poses significant risks if not developed and deployed responsibly.

Policy environments around the world are also playing a significant role in shaping the debate over AI development, regulation, and datacenters. The United States, for example, has been slow to develop a comprehensive AI policy, despite the growing importance of the technology. However, the US government has taken steps to address the regulatory challenges posed by AI, including the establishment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) AI program. Similarly, countries such as China and Singapore have developed comprehensive AI policies, with a focus on promoting the development of AI-powered services that can improve the efficiency of their economies.