Meet the Press NOW — September 15

SPEAKER_1 (0:00)

Over the years, I've met people whose lives were changed forever in a single moment. In my new podcast, Before and After, I explore what happens after that decisive moment. Personal, powerful conversations with Colin Kaepernick, Jeremy Renner, Gabby Giffords and others. Join me wherever you get your podcasts.

SPEAKER_2 (0:20)

Before and After with Lester Hull premieres Monday, September 14th. Follow now to listen completely free or subscribe to 8Line Premium to unlock new episodes early.

SPEAKER_3 (0:30)

The midterms are just around the corner, and it's safe to say there's been a lot of noise about the election. Well, now it's time to lock in. What's really on the ballot this November, and what's really at stake? We'll get you up to speed on all of it. I'm NBC News Chief White House correspondent, Garrett Haig, and every Saturday from now to election day, I'm hosting Here's the Scoop, Election Edition. We'll talk to some of the smartest voices about the top issues that are going to define this election. From President Trump's influence to the war with Iran, to affordability and AI in politics. We're diving into all of it and what it could all mean for the direction of the country. Join me every Saturday. Just search Here's the Scoop wherever you listen and follow now.

Gabe Gutierrez (1:23)

Welcome to Meet the Press NOW. I'm Gabe Gutierrez in Washington, where apocalyptic warnings about the speed of AI advancements are reverberating across the political spectrum, even as President Trump is downplaying the threat and pushing back hard against calls for any slowdown or regulation of the AI industry, saying that doing so could put the US at a disadvantage against rival China.

Today, top progressive Senator Bernie Sanders and MAGA loyalist Steve Bannon spoke at the same conference here in Washington. Both agreeing on the need for action.

SPEAKER_5 (1:58)

Congress, under both Democratic and Republican control, have been asleep at the wheel, and we now have a president whose ignorance regarding this issue is truly embarrassing.

Congress and governments around the world must act now before it is too late. Let us be very clear. A super-intelligent AI that escapes human control will not simply be an American problem. It will not be a Chinese problem. It will be humanity's problem. I think Senator Sanders did a very good job of summarizing the risk.

Obviously, he and I have a quite different opinion of the president of the United States, but we're trying to raise above partisanship, and we have to. This is a hinge in history. We have to handle this right, correctly.

Gabe Gutierrez (2:57)

There are many questions about what happens next for the AI companies and lawmakers. Right now, Congress is not even sure if it's equipped to deal with such a complex issue or how quickly it could take action.

SPEAKER_6 (3:10)

Do you think Congress is equipped to handle an issue like this, something that is very complex?

SPEAKER_7 (3:15)

No, we have to be.

SPEAKER_8 (3:16)

It's a huge challenge, but we have to. There has to be public interest in public good as part of the equation as opposed to private gain and private profit, and that's the role of Congress.

Julie Tsirkin (3:27)

Do you think that senators even understand AI?

SPEAKER_10 (3:30)

No, a lot of them can't spell it.

SPEAKER_6 (3:33)

They just don't have the experience.

SPEAKER_11 (3:34)

When it comes to new technology, Congress has seldom ever been in front of the parade.

SPEAKER_7 (3:39)

Well, if Congress is not equipped, then throw the bums out and bring in some new people who are.

SPEAKER_12 (3:45)

So look at this Congress at this point in time and expect us in the foreseeable future to draft an AI regulation bill that strikes the proper balance between safety and innovation is not going to happen.

Gabe Gutierrez (4:05)

The debate on Capitol Hill also running into longstanding divisions over the role of government to regulate private companies, even as congressional leaders in both chambers appear to agree on the need for at least some oversight.

SPEAKER_13 (4:18)

They can self-regulate. They don't need the government to tell them to slow it down. If they want to slow it down, they should. I think you need independent auditors. We've got to make sure this is done in the right way so we don't lose America's advantage in the development of AI.

SPEAKER_10 (4:30)

We believe in guardrails. We believe in having a reasonable regulatory framework, and it's clear that these companies, the frontier companies themselves, are asking for this.

SPEAKER_2 (4:44)

We cannot expect the industry to regulate itself.

SPEAKER_5 (4:47)

We need Congress to act.

SPEAKER_14 (4:49)

I believe preserving America's AI advantage over China and ensuring responsible AI development go hand in hand. We can, we must do both.