Seeking Common Ground: Artificial Intelligence
Exploring Bipartisanship with the Attorney General Alliance, hosted by business journalist Michal Lev Ram, delves into the collaborative work of Attorneys General from across the United States, united in their commitment to shaping the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy. Presented by PBS Books, in partnership with the Bipartisanship Leadership Project and the Attorney General Alliance, this program explores how bipartisan cooperation is essential in addressing the complex challenges posed by AI technologies.
Crime and fraud don’t stop at state borders, and neither do the implications of AI. As AI becomes an integral part of our daily lives, concerns about its impact on public safety, privacy, and ethics are rising. Exploring Bipartisanship showcases how state Attorneys General from both political parties are coming together to create policies that protect citizens, particularly vulnerable populations like children, while allowing for innovation to thrive.
The show highlights the common ground shared by Attorneys General, regardless of their political affiliation. Public safety is universally agreed upon as a priority and protecting citizens from the potential dangers of AI remains a key concern. Solutions are being sought to prevent the misuse of AI to prevent the exploitation of children or to enable fraud. At the same time, these elected officials are working to make sure federal and state laws keep pace with new technological advancements. The Attorneys General featured in this program are working across party lines to tackle these issues.
In this episode, viewers hear from Attorney General Aaron D. Ford (D) of Nevada, who has made educating the public on AI a top priority, and Attorney General Alan Wilson (R) of South Carolina, who is spearheading efforts to protect children from AI-generated exploitation. Their conversation highlights the pressing need for AI regulation and the importance of bipartisan cooperation to address challenges that transcend state borders.
The program also touches on the ethical considerations of AI, including the protection of the constitutional right to free speech while addressing the dangerous use of emerging technologies. Viewers will learn how these leaders are advocating for the need to update laws and frameworks to protect citizens from potential harm—whether it’s from deepfakes or harmful AI-generated content—while ensuring that useful technologies can continue to evolve in the AI space.
Through this collaborative effort, Exploring Bipartisanship demonstrates that no one party has a monopoly on good ideas. By coming together, even across political divides, these Attorneys General are creating a model for how thoughtful, bipartisan dialogue can lead to better, more effective solutions that protect the public while fostering innovation.
The series is part of an ongoing effort to show how leaders from different parties can work constructively to solve pressing issues that affect all Americans. With technology advancing rapidly, it’s clear that AI will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of society. Exploring Bipartisanship brings together the people who are working to ensure that this future is both secure and equitable for all.
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Featuring:

Michal Lev-Ram - Journalist, Host Exploring Bipartisanship
Michal Lev-Ram is a seasoned business journalist based in Silicon Valley, known for her extensive coverage of the technology industry. She spent 15 years at the leading business publication Fortune, where she has held various roles, including Senior Writer, Editorial Director for Live Media, and Editor-at-Large. Michal's current role for the publication is Special Correspondent, and she also writes, interviews, and consults for other outlets, including Esquire, TED, The Free Press, and more.
Michal has a diverse multimedia background as a journalist, primarily focusing on tech, business, politics, and culture. She has written deep-dive stories on notable figures such as Marc Benioff, Bob Iger, Ginni Rometty, Mark Zuckerberg, Kathleen Kennedy, Michael Dell, Mary Barra, Jack Dorsey, and many more. She has brought that same storytelling sense to other platforms, including podcasting. In 2022, Michal launched a non-fiction audio series called Operation Firewall on Audible, serving as creator, host, and executive producer of the acclaimed nine-part podcast about a Secret Service cybercrime investigation that took place in the early 2000s. Michal has also hosted multiple podcast series at Fortune, including Leadership Next, a weekly interview show featuring Fortune 500 CEOs. Michal has extensive experience in live journalism as well, having served as the editorial director of Fortune’s renowned live events business and moderated interviews with global leaders across the United States, France, China, and the United Kingdom.
Before joining Fortune, Michal worked at Business 2.0 Magazine, where she focused on the startup ecosystem, and contributed to other prominent publications like CNNMoney, Fast Company, and Popular Science.

Aaron D. Ford - Attorney General of Nevada
Attorney General Aaron D. Ford, Nevada’s 34th Attorney General, took office on January 7, 2019, making him the first African American to hold statewide constitutional office in Nevada. A former State Senator, AG Ford previously served as both the Majority Leader and the Minority Leader in the Nevada State Legislature and held leadership roles on several legislative committees. He also spent many years in private practice as a partner at both Snell & Wilmer LLP and Eglet Adams in Las Vegas. Before practicing law, AG Ford served as a public school math teacher, shaping hundreds of lives.
During his term as a State Senator, AG Ford led the passage of significant legislation that required police officers to wear body cameras. AG Ford was also the impetus for a local district attorney to create a “Conviction Integrity Unit” to review cases that allege wrongful conviction. As the chief law enforcement officer for the state, AG Ford’s goal continues to be helping to protect Nevada families. AG Ford believes there is no task greater than the pursuit of justice and has adopted the office motto of “Our Job is Justice.” His priority areas include what he refers to as the “Five Cs”: constitutional rights, criminal justice reform, consumer protection, client service, and community engagement. AG Ford has held several town hall forums to talk directly with Nevadans on relevant topics such as racial injustice, law enforcement policies, hate crimes, and identity theft.
Under his direction, AG Ford’s office has made protecting consumers from fraud, scams, and anti-competitive activity a top priority. During his tenure in office, AG Ford’s Bureau of Consumer Protection secured over $85 million in recoveries on behalf of Nevada consumers. Consistent with his commitment to help Nevada families, AG Ford has aggressively pursued those responsible for fueling Nevada’s opioid crisis. He is proud to have obtained over 1.1 billion for the mitigation of the opioid crisis in Nevada.
AG Ford always strives to help those around him, particularly our most vulnerable communities. He has held two statewide law enforcement summits with local and national experts to fight human trafficking; he helps lead Nevada's sexual assault kit initiative and is proud to have completed the State’s initiative to test nearly 8,000 previously untested sexual assault kits; and he worked with his prosecutors to revive a cold case and bring justice for a Nevada mother who lost her daughter to a brutal murder more than 40 years ago. AG Ford is proud to have earned five degrees, which include his law degree and Ph.D. in Educational Administration from The Ohio State University, as well as degrees in interdisciplinary studies, international education, and educational administration. AG Ford married his college sweetheart, Berna Rhodes-Ford, who is also an attorney. Together, they raised four children, Avery, Devin, Aaron II, and Alexander.

Alan Wilson - Attorney General of South Carolina
Alan Wilson was elected South Carolina’s 51st Attorney General on November 2, 2010, re-elected to a second term on November 4, 2014, and re-elected to a third term on November 6, 2018. Since being elected, Wilson has focused on keeping South Carolina’s families safe, defending their freedom and protecting their futures.
This marks his third stint in the office. Previously, he served as a prosecution division intern under Charlie Condon and as an Assistant Attorney General under Henry McMaster.
As South Carolina’s Attorney General, Wilson is the state’s chief prosecutor, chief securities officer, and the state’s chief legal counsel. The office is comprised of almost 300 employees and about 90 attorneys who manage nearly 8,000 active case files.
He has worked closely with the Attorney General’s office, the State Law Enforcement Division, every sheriff, the Police Chief’s Association, victim’s advocacy groups and all 16 solicitors. Together, they are actively advancing legislative priorities to ensure South Carolina is the safest place to live, work, and raise a family. This coalition has been successful in passing crucial public safety legislation, such as the Ashley Hall bill and Emma’s Law.
As Attorney General, Wilson has defended the Constitution and the laws of this state even if it means challenging the federal government. He has protected South Carolina’s right-to-work laws; helped lead the 26-state challenge to the federal health care mandate; successfully safeguarded South Carolina’s voter identification law; and fought to protect its immigration laws in court. Wilson works closely with other Attorneys General across the nation to protect the rule of law and defend the constitution on issues such as Obamacare, Dodd Frank, EPA overreach, Yucca Mountain, MOX Facility, Religious Freedom and many others. He is currently fighting to protect the South Carolina coast from seismic testing and possible oil and gas exploration.
In 2012, he worked tirelessly with local legislators to strengthen South Carolina’s human trafficking laws. During that process, a Human Trafficking Task Force was established, which is chaired by the Attorney General’s office. Because of these efforts, South Carolina has gone from having one of the worst statutes in the country, to one of the best.
In November 2013, Wilson was elected as Chairman of the Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA).
Prior to his election, Wilson served as an Assistant Solicitor and as an Assistant Attorney General before entering private practice with the Columbia firm of Willoughby & Hoefer, P.A. He began his legal career working for the late Judge Marc H. Westbrook.
Wilson joined the National Guard immediately after graduating from college. He was called to serve in Iraq where he earned the Combat Action Badge. Today, he continues his military service as a Colonel in the Judge Advocate General Corps.
He is a graduate of Francis Marion University and the University of South Carolina School of Law. Wilson and his wife, Jennifer, have two young children, Michael and Anna Grace.
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Liz Murrill - Attorney General of Louisiana
As Louisiana’s Attorney General, Liz Murrill stands at the forefront of the state’s legal landscape, wielding her expertise and unwavering dedication to defend the rule of law and protect the rights of its citizens. With a career spanning over three decades in both state and federal government, Liz has emerged as a respected figure known for her sharp legal mind, fierce advocacy, and deep commitment to justice.
Born in New Orleans and raised in Lafayette, Liz’s Louisiana roots run eight generations deep. She was instilled with a profound sense of community and service from an early age, values that would shape her future endeavors. After graduating from Lafayette High School, Liz pursued her passion for knowledge at Louisiana State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism. Her academic journey continued at LSU’s Paul M. Hebert Law School, where she obtained her Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree in 1991.
Following her graduation, Liz embarked on a remarkable legal career marked by a relentless pursuit of justice and a steadfast commitment to serving her fellow Louisianians. She began her professional journey by clerking in federal court for U.S. District Judge Frank J. Polozola and later for First Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Melvin Shortess, gaining invaluable insight into the inner workings of the legal system.
Driven by a passion for public service, Liz held several key positions within state government, including serving as Executive Counsel to Governor Bobby Jindal and the Commissioner of Administration. However, it was her groundbreaking role as Louisiana’s first Solicitor General that truly set her apart as a legal trailblazer. In this capacity, Liz demonstrated unparalleled leadership and legal acumen, representing the state’s interests in complex legal matters and advocating for the enforcement of the law at the federal level.
Throughout her tenure as Solicitor General, Liz emerged as a fierce defender of Louisiana’s sovereignty and constitutional rights. She argued five cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and served as lead counsel in over 35 cases challenging federal overreach, ranging from attacks on religious liberty to COVID-19 mandates. Her track record of success in defending Louisiana’s interests on the national stage earned her widespread acclaim and cemented her reputation as a formidable advocate for justice.
In 2024, Liz Murrill made history as she was sworn in as Louisiana’s first female Attorney General, a testament to her enduring commitment to public service. In this new role, Liz has continued to champion the causes she holds dear, leading the charge in preserving Louisiana’s unique way of life and safeguarding the rights of its citizens.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Liz is deeply devoted to her family and community. She shares a fulfilling partnership with her husband, John, a fellow lawyer, and is the proud mother of four sons. Liz’s dedication to her family, coupled with her unwavering commitment to serving others, reflects her core values of integrity, compassion, and resilience.
In every aspect of her life and career, Liz Murrill exemplifies the qualities of a true leader: integrity, courage, and unwavering dedication to the principles of justice and the rule of law. As Louisiana’s Attorney General, she continues to inspire others with her passion for making a difference as well as her tireless pursuit of a better Louisiana.

William Tong - Attorney General of Connecticut
William Tong is the 25th Attorney General to serve Connecticut since the office was established by the state constitution in 1897. He first took office in 2019 and is currently serving his second term.
Attorney General Tong is a national leader in many of the most consequential lawsuits and investigations in our country today, including bipartisan, multistate efforts to hold the addiction industry accountable for their role in the opioid crisis; to restore fair competition and prices in the generic drug industry; to hold social media giants accountable for the harms they may cause to kids and young people; to stop robocall scammers; and to ensure corporations safeguard our personal information from misuse and respect consumers’ rights regarding the collection and use of their information.
As a father and the son of immigrant small business owners, Attorney General Tong knows first-hand how Connecticut families are squeezed by rising costs that are unaffordable and unsustainable, and he has prioritized efforts to drive down energy costs, expand access to reliable broadband internet, and ensure access to affordable healthcare.
Attorney General Tong works every day to safeguard our civil rights and freedoms, fighting alongside state attorneys general nationwide to protect the rights of women, minority communities, immigrants and the LGBTQ+ community. He has vowed to fight in any court, in any state, anywhere access to reproductive healthcare is under threat. He is aggressively defending Connecticut’s post- Sandy Hook gun laws against challenges by out of state gun lobbies. Under his leadership, Connecticut has sued ExxonMobil to end its ongoing, systematic campaign of lies around fossil fuels and climate change.
Under Attorney General Tong’s leadership, Connecticut resolved two of the most challenging, longest running state lawsuits – committing to historic investments in educational opportunities for Hartford students to end more than 30 years of litigation and court oversight in the Sheff v. O’Neill case, and ending court oversight of the Department of Children and Families following documented, significant improvement on behalf of our state’s most vulnerable children.
Attorney General Tong currently serves as Eastern Region Chair and Finance Chair of the National Association of Attorneys General. He also serves on the Executive Committee of the Democratic Attorneys General Association.
Attorney General Tong previously practiced for 18 years as a litigator in both state and federal courts, first at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP in New York City and then at Finn Dixon & Herling LLP in Stamford. He served for 12 years as a State Representative in the Connecticut General Assembly, where he served as House Chairman of the Judiciary Committee as well as the Banking Committee. In 2006, he became the first Asian American elected to any state office in Connecticut history.
During his service in the legislature, Attorney General Tong was the author and driver of several major Connecticut laws, helping lead the state’s efforts against gun violence and domestic violence, among many other critical laws and initiatives.
A Connecticut native, Attorney General Tong grew up in the Hartford area and attended schools in West Hartford. He graduated from Phillips Academy Andover, Brown University, and the University of Chicago Law School.
Tong is the oldest of five children and grew up working side-by-side with his immigrant parents in their family’s Chinese restaurant. He and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Stamford with their three children and way too many pets. Elizabeth is the Senior Vice President at L'Oreal USA. In quieter moments, General Tong likes to fly fish (and tie flies), try all the great foods and restaurants across Connecticut and is an amateur carpenter and cook.
He is the first Asian American elected to any state office in Connecticut history, and the first Chinese American to be elected Attorney General nationwide.
In every aspect of her life and career, Liz Murrill exemplifies the qualities of a true leader: integrity, courage, and unwavering dedication to the principles of justice and the rule of law. As Louisiana’s Attorney General, she continues to inspire others with her passion for making a difference as well as her tireless pursuit of a better Louisiana.

Kwame Raoul - Attorney General of Illinois
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, born in Chicago to Haitian immigrants, brings a lifetime of legal experience and advocacy to the office. He was sworn in as Illinois’ 42nd Attorney General in 2019 and took the oath to serve a second term on January 9, 2023.
Attorney General Raoul launched his legal career as a Cook County prosecutor and went on to be a partner at two national corporate law firms. He also served as an Illinois State Senator for 14 years, leading to this “dream job.”
The Attorney General has initiated legislation to counter the long-term effects of violent crime and to support survivors. He created the first-of-its-kind task force to take down Organized Retail Crime networks. He protects children from online predators as leader of the Illinois Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce.
Attorney General Raoul partners with federal law enforcement to prevent mass shootings in schools and places of worship, fight violent crime, and to investigate fraud and public corruption. He led a collaboration with state and local law enforcement that brought about an improved system to foster professionalism, accountability, and transparency for law enforcement officers statewide.
Attorney General Raoul also safeguards Illinois consumers. The office manages tens of thousands of consumer fraud complaints, saving residents millions through litigation and mediation each year. He holds accountable the industries that threaten public health with opioids, e-cigarettes, and environmental pollution. He continues to fight against scams related to home repairs, auto sales, mortgages, identity theft, and student lending.
The Attorney General regularly coordinates his advocacy efforts with other state attorneys general to defend access to quality healthcare and reproductive health services for all, protect our natural resources, fight for just immigration policies, curb gun violence, and to uphold civil rights for all individuals.

Treg R. Taylor – Attorney General of Alaska
Attorney General Treg Taylor started with the Alaska Department of Law in 2018, serving as Deputy Attorney General in charge of the civil division. Prior to being appointed Deputy Attorney General, Treg was senior counsel for ASRC Energy Services, LLC, a subsidiary of Arctic Slope Regional Corporation, the largest locally-owned and operated business in Alaska. He also served as counsel for McKinley Capital Management, an investment manager serving a global client base from its headquarters in Anchorage, Alaska. Treg began his legal career in Anchorage working in a commercial litigation firm for four years. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and a law degree from Brigham Young University. He and his wife Jodi have six children and live in Anchorage, Alaska.

Anthony Brown - Attorney General of Maryland
Anthony G. Brown assumed office as Maryland's 47th Attorney General on January 3, 2023, the first African American to hold the position in Maryland's history. Previously, Attorney General Brown represented the 4th Congressional District from 2017 to 2023, served as Maryland Lieutenant Governor from 2007 to 2015, and served in the Maryland House of Delegates as Vice Chairman of the Judiciary Committee and Majority Whip from 1999 to 2007.
Since taking office, Attorney General Brown established the Office of Equity, Policy, and Engagement, a first for the Attorney General's office, to focus on strategies, initiatives, policies, and practices that will promote equity and fairness in Maryland's civil, criminal, and administrative systems of justice. In 2023, Attorney General Brown successfully advocated for the passage of legislation creating a Civil Rights Division, expanding the Independent Investigations Division's prosecutorial authority, and establishing a permanent Commission on Hate Crimes Response and Prevention. In October 2023, Attorney General Brown partnered with Maryland Public Defender Natasha Dartigue to create the Maryland Equitable Justice Collaborative (MEJC), a first-of-its-kind initiative dedicated to reducing mass incarceration and the disparate incarceration of African Americans and other marginalized groups in Maryland prisons and jails. MEJC's goal is to examine and assess the scope and causes of this crisis, and to develop a data-driven approach to addressing it.
The Attorney General has initiated legislation to counter the long-term effects of violent crime and to support survivors. He created the first-of-its-kind task force to take down Organized Retail Crime networks. He protects children from online predators as leader of the Illinois Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce.
Attorney General Raoul partners with federal law enforcement to prevent mass shootings in schools and places of worship, fight violent crime, and to investigate fraud and public corruption. He led a collaboration with state and local law enforcement that brought about an improved system to foster professionalism, accountability, and transparency for law enforcement officers statewide.
Attorney General Raoul also safeguards Illinois consumers. The office manages tens of thousands of consumer fraud complaints, saving residents millions through litigation and mediation each year. He holds accountable the industries that threaten public health with opioids, e-cigarettes, and environmental pollution. He continues to fight against scams related to home repairs, auto sales, mortgages, identity theft, and student lending.
The Attorney General regularly coordinates his advocacy efforts with other state attorneys general to defend access to quality healthcare and reproductive health services for all, protect our natural resources, fight for just immigration policies, curb gun violence, and to uphold civil rights for all individuals.

Michelle Henry - Former Attorney General of Pennsylvania
Michelle A. Henry, a life-long public servant and 26-year veteran prosecutor, is Pennsylvania’s Attorney General. Widely recognized for her work ethic and singular dedication to public service, Michelle rose from intern in the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office to now serve as the chief law enforcement officer for the Commonwealth.
Michelle was raised in Westmoreland County, graduated from Greensburg-Salem public schools and remains a proud Golden Lion. Her life and career have crisscrossed and impacted all of Pennsylvania. She is a graduate of Allegheny College and the Widener University School of Law, worked for the Westmoreland County Legal Aid Office, and clerked for now retired Lancaster County President Judge Michael Georgelis.
Before serving as First Deputy Attorney General, Michelle dedicated over 20 years of her career to the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office taking on critical jobs including Chief of Major Crimes, Chief of Child Abuse, and First Assistant. She was appointed Bucks County District Attorney with a bipartisan vote in 2008. In Bucks County, colleagues credited her for leading by example and being first in line for the toughest cases. Michelle was admired as an excellent attorney who also pushed major initiatives she was instrumental in helping start the county’s children’s advocacy center and took a leading role in educating junior prosecutors from across the Commonwealth.
As First Deputy Attorney General under former Attorney General Josh Shapiro, Henry was responsible for overseeing all of the Office’s legal matters, including criminal cases to seek justice for victims, civil suits representing the Commonwealth and public protection cases fighting for the rights of Pennsylvania consumers. During her tenure as First Deputy, Henry was recognized for her tireless work safeguarding the Office’s mission to protect and serve Pennsylvanians as the legal advocate for the Commonwealth. Chief among those honors was Henry’s admittance to the American College of Trial Lawyers, one of the premier legal associations in North America; and the receipt of Widener University Commonwealth Law School’s 2017 Excellence in Public Service Alumni Award for her “extraordinary contributions” to public service.
On December 19th 2024, Governor Josh Shapiro announced the appointment of Attorney General Michelle Henry to serve as Pennsylvania’s State Inspector General, effective January 21, 2025.

Marty Jackley - Attorney General of South Dakota
Marty was raised in Sturgis and graduated from the South Dakota School of Mines with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering with honors. After receiving his law degree from USD, he served as a clerk for then Chief Federal Judge Richard Battey. Marty then joined the Rapid City law firm of Gunderson, Palmer, Nelson and Ashmore where he became a partner focusing on criminal law, civil law and complex business litigation and transactions. At this time, he also served as a special assistant attorney general prosecuting controlled substance felonies.
In 2006, Marty was appointed and unanimously confirmed by the US Senate as US Attorney for South Dakota. He was the recipient of the Prosecutor of the Year for 2008 for outstanding prosecutorial service.
From 2009 - 2019, Marty served as South Dakota's Attorney General. In 2015, he served as Chairman of the National Association of Attorneys General and also as a past Chairman of the Western Attorneys General. In 2016, Marty received the National Attorney General of the Year award from his fellow Attorneys General. After serving 10 years as SD Attorney General, Marty returned to the Rapid City law firm of Gunderson, Palmer, Nelson and Ashmore as a senior partner opening up a Pierre branch office. He also served as State's Attorney for both Jones and Haakon counties, and as a Special Prosecutor for the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate during this time. Marty received the State's Attorney's Distinguished Service Award in 2019. In 2022 Marty was elected for a fourth term as the South Dakota Attorney General. For the 2023 - 2024 year he is serving as Chairman to the Attorney General Alliance. Marty was elected as Vice Chairman of the National Attorneys General Association in 2024.
Marty has two children, Michael who is studying Mechanical Engineering at SDSU, and Isabella a freshman biology major also at SDSU. Marty also enjoys spending family time at his farm at Vale, South Dakota and ranch by Pierre, South Dakota.