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 Silicon Valley-based journalist with a focus on technology, business, politics, and culture, known for her deep-dive stories on influential leaders like Marc Benioff and Mary Barra. She created and hosted the acclaimed Audible podcast Operation Firewall, highlighting a groundbreaking Secret Service cybercrime investigation. With extensive experience in live journalism, podcasting, and editorial roles, Michal is passionate about storytelling across platforms to explore the intersections of innovation and leadership.

Aaron D. Ford – Attorney General of Nevada

Attorney General Aaron D. Ford, Nevada’s first African American Attorney General, is dedicated to protecting families and pursuing justice through his “Five Cs”: constitutional rights, criminal justice reform, consumer protection, client service, and community engagement. Under his leadership, the state has recovered over $85 million for consumers and secured $1.1 billion to address the opioid crisis. Committed to supporting vulnerable communities, he has spearheaded initiatives to combat human trafficking, test unprocessed sexual assault kits, and review wrongful convictions.

Alan Wilson – Attorney General of South Carolina

Attorney General Alan Wilson has focused on protecting South Carolina families by advancing public safety, defending constitutional rights, and leading efforts to strengthen human trafficking laws, making the state a national model. He has championed critical legislation like Emma’s Law and worked to protect the South Carolina coast from environmental threats. A Colonel in the National Guard and committed public servant, Wilson continues to uphold the rule of law and safeguard the state’s future.

Bonus Content

Featuring:

Liz Murrill – Attorney General of Louisiana

Liz Murrill, Louisiana’s first female Attorney General, is a trailblazer dedicated to defending the rule of law and championing the rights of Louisianians. With a career spanning over three decades, she has argued five U.S. Supreme Court cases and led over 35 challenges to federal overreach, focusing on religious liberty, state sovereignty, and constitutional rights. Deeply committed to preserving Louisiana’s way of life, Liz combines her legal expertise and passion for public service to advocate for justice and protect the causes she holds dear.

William Tong – Attorney General of Connecticut

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong is a national leader in holding corporations accountable, from tackling the opioid crisis and social media harms to fighting for climate justice and consumer protection. A champion for civil rights and reproductive healthcare, he vigorously defends the rights of women, immigrants, and marginalized communities while safeguarding access to affordable healthcare and energy. As the son of immigrant small business owners, Tong is deeply committed to fighting for Connecticut families, ensuring fair opportunities, and protecting the vulnerable.

Kwame Raoul – Attorney General of Illinois

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is dedicated to fighting violent crime, supporting survivors, and protecting children through initiatives like the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce and efforts to prevent mass shootings. A champion for consumer protection, he holds industries accountable for public health threats and combats scams affecting everyday Illinoisans. Raoul also works nationally to defend reproductive health, civil rights, and environmental justice while advocating for transparency and accountability in law enforcement.

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

Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown is committed to advancing justice, equity, and fairness. Since taking office in 2023, he has established the Office of Equity, Policy, and Engagement, created the Maryland Equitable Justice Collaborative to combat mass incarceration, and championed legislation to expand civil rights and hate crime prevention. A decorated Army veteran and longtime public servant, he has consistently advocated for gun safety, voting rights, and protections for marginalized communities throughout his career.

Michelle Henry – Attorney General of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle A. Henry has dedicated her 26-year career to protecting victims, children, and consumers across the Commonwealth. A veteran prosecutor and former Bucks County District Attorney, she led initiatives to establish a children’s advocacy center and train junior prosecutors. As Attorney General, she continues to champion justice and public protection, earning recognition for her tireless service and commitment to safeguarding Pennsylvanians’ rights.

Marty Jackley – Attorney General of South Dakota

Marty Jackley, South Dakota’s Attorney General, has dedicated his career to justice and public safety, serving as U.S. Attorney, State Attorney General, and a prosecutor for tribal and local communities. A champion for law enforcement and victims’ rights, he has been recognized nationally, including receiving the Attorney General of the Year award. Marty continues his commitment to South Dakota through leadership roles in national attorney general associations and local advocacy.