The Data Center Will Not Hold
Summary
With midterms approaching, hosts Emily Peck, Jim Newell, and Patrick Rice analyze the political fallout from AI and data center backlash. They discuss how candidates on both sides are adopting populist stances against tech infrastructure to appeal to voters, contrasting this with President Trump’s pro-AI stance driven by economic growth concerns. The episode highlights specific races in Ohio, Texas, and Wisconsin where data center opposition is influencing campaigns, while noting that significant regulatory action is unlikely before the election.
Topics discussed
Intro: Midterms countdown and show hosts
AI as the dominant issue in markets and politics
Data center backlash and political signals
Trump's AI task force and 'hoax' comments
Analysis of Trump's inaction and AI Czar role
Why AI is a 'layup' issue for populists
Polling data and candidate strategies on data centers
Why Trump supports AI despite public opposition
Economic metrics: GDP growth vs. inflation pain
GOP strategy: Running for cover on AI issues
Texas moratoriums and post-election predictions
Industry money and legislative resistance to AI
Ohio's skepticism of big economic promises
Sherrod Brown and the Foxconn Wisconsin failure
Political 180s: Florida and Texas governors
Future of data center regulations and investment
Midterms as a referendum on Trump and AI
Races to watch: Texas Senate and Alaska Senate
Credits and sign-off
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