Obama gives Democrats a private assignment with 2028 already in mind
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Former President Barack Obama is urging Democrats to prepare an artificial intelligence agenda for a possible return to power in 2027 while also telling potential 2028 presidential candidates that they need a clear plan for the rapidly advancing technology.
At a private Manhattan fundraiser, Obama reportedly told House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries that Democrats should launch a public conversation around AI policy if they win back the House in November.
He also raised concerns about job displacement and the effects of AI on children, according to a partial transcript of his remarks.
Obama maps out Democrats' AI agenda
As per a report by The New York Times published on Sunday, September 13, Obama reportedly told Jeffries to prepare for action if he becomes speaker following the midterm elections.
"Once you are speaker, I would strongly urge that the Democrats put together a framework for a very public conversation," Obama said, according to the report.
He suggested Democrats should clearly explain their plans for AI safety and protecting children from potential harms associated with the technology.
Obama said AI was moving rapidly in private hands and could become dangerous if government officials failed to address the issue.
He stressed the need for policymakers to consider its effects before the technology advances further.
The remarks come as Congress faces growing pressure to develop rules for AI, while lawmakers continue to debate how quickly Washington should act.
2028 hopefuls get clear message
Obama's advice extended beyond the next Congress.
He reportedly said Democrats considering presidential campaigns in 2028 should make AI one of their central issues and arrive with "a very clear plan" to address its risks.
The former president specifically raised safety concerns and the possibility of economic disruption.
"What does it mean if there's going to be job displacement?" Obama asked, according to the reported transcript.
He also raised the possibility of more Americans struggling to find full-time work if AI makes certain jobs redundant.
The message comes as several Democrats seen as potential 2028 contenders have faced questions about where they stand on AI development and regulation.
What this could mean next
Obama's intervention puts AI alongside the issues Democrats are already preparing to campaign on ahead of November.
He has remained influential within the party and has increasingly described his post-presidency role as helping develop the next generation of Democratic leadership.
Whether Democrats regain the House or the issue becomes a major dividing line in the 2028 presidential race, Obama is now publicly pushing his party's future leaders to come prepared with answers.
