AI Concerns Absent From the Presidential Debate

WASHINGTON, DC – On Thursday, June 27, CNN hosted a presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Jason Green-Lowe, Executive Director of the Center for AI Policy (CAIP), a nonpartisan research organization that develops policy and conducts advocacy to mitigate catastrophic risks from AI, released the following statement:

"A recent YouGov survey revealed that nearly half of Americans are concerned about the potential threats posed by superintelligent machines to humanity. Despite this widespread public concern, tonight's presidential debate failed to address the critical issue of artificial intelligence.

"Both Joe Biden and Donald Trump have previously acknowledged the dangers associated with AI. The CNN-hosted debate presented a prime opportunity for these candidates to articulate their plans for safeguarding America against the rapidly emerging challenges of frontier AI technologies.

"The American people deserved to hear how their potential leaders intend to confront AI risks. The absence of any AI-related questions represents a significant oversight, depriving voters of crucial information on this pressing issue.

"We call on future debate organizers and reporters covering the presidential election to ask where these candidates stand on artificial intelligence and its implications for economic security and American society."

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