Former President Barack Obama warned during a private fundraiser that artificial intelligence technology can be "dangerous" if not properly managed. He urged Democrats to more aggressively develop political and governance agendas that prioritize the issue in the coming years.
Obama asked House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a New York Democrat, to develop a clear framework for public debate on AI policy should Democrats regain control of the House in midterm elections. The suggestion was made according to a partial transcript provided by Obama's office.
The former president also suggested that presidential candidates in 2028 should make AI a priority in their campaigns. The comments were made on Thursday and had not been previously reported.
With these warnings, Obama seeks to position artificial intelligence oversight as a central theme for the Democratic Party, both in the legislative and executive branches, in the coming years.
