Tom Perriello, the Democratic nominee for Virginia’s fifth congressional district, participated in a discussion at the Center for Politics on Monday, focusing on the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) in public policy and the workforce. The event, titled “The Deep Divide Between How the People and the Powerful Are Thinking About AI,” was introduced by Larry Sabato, the founder and director of the Center.
During his remarks, Perriello referenced his article published in The New Republic on September 22, titled “To Wary Working People, AI Preemption Is the New Nafta,” where he addresses AI’s significance for voters. The talk concluded with a question-and-answer session.
Perriello underscored the transformative nature of AI, stating it presents “a level of disruption” with historical precedent. He likened its impact to that of the invention of fire, the wheel, and the printing press occurring simultaneously. “Great periods of change can create amazing progress, but the vast majority of major technological breakthroughs have actually produced civil wars and world wars,” he remarked.
Initially hesitant to discuss AI, Perriello noted that constituents had raised concerns about issues like gas prices and childcare first. However, he acknowledged the growing interest in AI among voters, identifying two distinct conversations surrounding the technology: one happening in Washington and Silicon Valley, and another among the general public that feels excluded from the discussion.
“Not surprisingly, these are issues that don’t fit neatly into the red team or the blue team,” Perriello said, adding that this disconnect amplifies feelings of disenfranchisement among citizens.
While expressing optimism about AI’s potential to create new opportunities, including advancements in medical treatment, Perriello criticized both corporate leaders and government officials for failing to address the challenges posed by AI. “The U.S. does not have leaders who are ‘up to speed’ on the challenges that the country faces today or will face in the future,” he said.
Perriello also addressed the historical significance of the VA-05 congressional seat, which was once held by James Madison, and spoke on the importance of the House of Representatives as a check against authoritarianism. “The only office directly elected by the people was the House of Representatives,” he remarked regarding the stakes of the upcoming general election.
He advocated for the House to reclaim authority over tariff measures and war declarations, arguing that doing so would restore Congress’s role in key policy decisions. “This [election cycle] is more than just being a Democrat who wants to check a Republican president. This is a generational failure of Congress to do its job,” Perriello stated.
Perriello also highlighted shifts in the U.S. economy, particularly in the electric vehicle sector, noting the rapid loss of competitiveness. He explained that recent trade policies had resulted in countries exporting electric vehicles from China instead of the U.S., emphasizing Congress’s responsibility to address this issue.
In a final appeal to the audience, Perriello urged young people to engage in the democratic process, stressing the importance of voting. “Democracy is not a spectator sport,” he stated. “It’s won by the people that show up, whether it’s for me or for someone else.”
Several students from the course “Campaigns and Elections,” taught by Sabato and Ken Stroupe, attended the event. During the Q&A session, a student inquired about how legislation could be shaped around AI without existing precedents. Perriello responded that product liability laws should apply to AI companies in the same manner as other industries.
Looking ahead, the general election in Virginia is scheduled for November 3, with early voting having started on September 18 and continuing through October 31. The Center for Politics has also announced future events featuring current representative John McGuire and Virginia’s Republican Senate nominee Bert Mizusawa.
