Pod Save America Bernie vs. the Robots
218 snips
May 3, 2026 
Bernie Sanders, Vermont’s progressive senator, talks AI slowdowns, super PAC money, and growing pressure to halt weapons sales to Israel. Peter Hamby, a political journalist at Puck, dives into online conspiracy culture on the left, rising violent rhetoric, Maine’s Senate race, and California’s surprisingly flat governor contest.
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Sanders Targets Super PAC Money In Democratic Primaries
- Sanders says Democrats cannot defend democracy while tolerating billionaire money dominating their own primaries.
- He pushes banning super PAC money in Democratic primaries first, arguing party leaders are still hustling AI, AIPAC, crypto, and other special-interest cash.
Automation Could Break The Current Social Contract
- Sanders says AI job loss could force a new social contract, not just retraining and longer unemployment benefits.
- He points to driverless trucks replacing 50-year-old drivers who may never find comparable work or keep funding programs through payroll taxes.
The Democratic Caucus Is Shifting On Israel Aid
- Sanders sees growing Democratic and eventual Republican opposition to arming Netanyahu as voters reject being complicit in Gaza's devastation.
- He ties the shift to economic pain at home and anger over funding wars while civilians are killed in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran.