Lever Time What Tech Wants: God In The Machine
Feb 5, 2026
A deep dive into Silicon Valley's push to shape AI policy and the 2026 political battlefield. Stories trace techno-optimism, messianic language around AGI, and the PayPal network's political muscle. The podcast follows pro-AI super PACs, state law battles, data center fights, and wealthy donors resisting taxes and regulations.
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Moving AGI Goalposts Fuel Investment
- Predictions of imminent AGI repeatedly move forward despite uncertain commercial returns.
- That shifting timeline lets companies continually justify more funding and build momentum.
State Patchwork Drives Preemption Push
- States passed hundreds of AI bills in 2025, creating regulatory patchworks companies view as burdensome.
- Tech pushes for federal preemption to avoid 50 different state rules that slow deployment.
Use Preemption To Halt State Rules
- Push for federal preemption by inserting moratoriums to block state AI laws nationwide.
- Use broad national provisions to prevent states from enacting varied AI safeguards.