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

This episode of the All In podcast features a panel discussion diving into critical issues shaping technology and economics in late 2025. The conversation opens with Bernie Sanders' recent call for a moratorium on AI datacenters, which the panel uses as a jumping-off point to examine how AI is perceived by the public and policymakers. Rather than accepting the anti-AI sentiment at face value, the besties explore whether this opposition is organically generated or the result of coordinated campaigns by special interests seeking to maintain their own power and influence. They reference investigations into funded opposition campaigns, drawing parallels to historical antitrust efforts like Ida Tarbell's work against Standard Oil. The panel discusses the tactics used to shape public opinion and the challenge for the AI industry to better communicate its benefits and address legitimate concerns. The economic segment shifts focus to employment, inflation, and broader macroeconomic conditions. The panelists review recent unemployment data and inflation metrics, finding that several indicators suggest improvement in economic conditions. However, they debate whether these metrics truly indicate an imminent golden age or whether headwinds remain beneath the surface. They examine Federal Reserve data and employment trends across different sectors, considering what the next year might hold for workers and businesses. A lighter moment occurs with the dog corner segment, where the besties engage in some off-topic humor and personal updates. The conversation then turns to international competition, specifically China's reported breakthrough in semiconductor lithography technology. The panel discusses what this advancement means for the global AI supply chain and the competitive positioning of different nations in the race to develop advanced AI capabilities. They examine the implications for export controls and geopolitical tensions around chip technology. Finally, the episode concludes with a discussion about relocation trends, particularly the appeal of Texas to business leaders and entrepreneurs, exploring what this migration means for innovation hubs and state competitiveness. Throughout the episode, the panelists maintain their characteristic blend of rigorous analysis, contrarian thinking, and accessible commentary on issues that will shape the coming years.