Bernie Sanders: Stop All AI, China's EUV Breakthrough, Inflation Down, Golden Age in 2026?

Overview

This episode dives into Bernie Sanders' controversial call for a moratorium on AI data centers, the broader perception challenges surrounding AI, China's potential breakthrough in lithography technology, and the state of the U.S. economy. The hosts also discuss the implications of California's policies driving migration to Texas and share personal anecdotes in a lighter segment.

Notable Quotes

- Capitalism sometimes results in the unequal distribution of wealth, but socialism always results in the equal distribution of poverty and misery. - David Sacks, on the risks of halting AI progress.

- We need to start using the balance sheets of these companies to benefit as many Americans as possible—like Andrew Carnegie building libraries. - Chamath Palihapitiya, on addressing AI's perception problem.

- China is not just in a catch-up race; they are in a primacy race to dominate lithography and AI. - David Friedberg, on China's technological ambitions.

🧠 Bernie Sanders' AI Moratorium Proposal

- Bernie Sanders proposed halting new AI data centers, citing concerns about billionaire control, job displacement, and harm to children’s social interaction.

- David Sacks argued that AI tools are more useful than addictive for kids, likening them to Google, and criticized conflating AI with social media issues.

- The hosts dismissed the moratorium as impractical, emphasizing that halting U.S. progress would hand leadership to China.

- Chamath Palihapitiya highlighted the need for the tech industry to address public fears by visibly investing in societal benefits, such as education and healthcare.

📉 AI Perception and Astroturfing

- The hosts discussed how anti-AI sentiment is being fueled by well-funded groups, including journalism fellowships funded by AI critics.

- David Sacks pointed out that studies show AI-exposed jobs are experiencing higher wage and job growth, contradicting fears of mass job loss.

- Chamath Palihapitiya and David Friedberg emphasized the need for the industry to counter misinformation and demonstrate tangible benefits to the public.

📊 U.S. Economy: Golden Age or Disconnect?

- Inflation dropped to 2.7%, and private sector jobs grew, but public perception remains negative.

- David Sacks celebrated the economic progress, citing lower gas prices and wage growth, while Jason Calacanis argued that the bottom half of Americans still feel left behind.

- The hosts debated whether the Trump administration’s economic promises were overambitious or simply require more time to materialize.

🇨🇳 China's Lithography Breakthrough

- China reportedly developed a prototype of ASML’s EUV lithography machine, critical for advanced chip manufacturing.

- David Friedberg explained that China’s progress is driven by AI-based research and massive state funding, aiming not just for parity but for technological primacy.

- David Sacks and Chamath Palihapitiya noted that while this development is concerning, the U.S. still holds advantages in software and memory-centric architectures.

🏡 Migration to Texas and California's Decline

- The hosts discussed their potential moves to Texas, citing California’s high taxes, property seizure threats, and deteriorating public services.

- Chamath Palihapitiya criticized California’s fiscal irresponsibility, predicting a sharp decline in state revenues as wealthy residents leave.

- David Friedberg highlighted the underfunded California pension system as a looming crisis, exacerbating the state’s financial woes.