POLITICO Tech Podcast Summary

Title: Gina Raimondo is working weekends to protect her Commerce legacy
Host: POLITICO
Release Date: November 20, 2024

The POLITICO Tech podcast delves into the transformative role of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo as she navigates her final months in office. With a focus on technological advancements and national security, Raimondo shares insights into her efforts to bolster the U.S. economy and maintain technological supremacy.

1. Expanded Role of the Commerce Department

Stephen Overlea opens the discussion by highlighting how Raimondo has significantly broadened the scope of the Commerce Department over her four-year tenure, emphasizing technology sectors such as clean tech, supply chains, microchips, and artificial intelligence (AI).

Gina Raimondo responds, noting the transformation:

"We've really transformed the size, scope and role of the Commerce Department over the past four years under the president's leadership. And a lot of that is because we're much more involved in technology."
(02:18)

She underscores the department's shift towards a national security focus, particularly in technological arenas like semiconductors and AI, which are now pivotal to national defense strategies.

2. CHIPS and Science Act Implementation

Raimondo has been a driving force behind the CHIPS and Science Act, aimed at revitalizing U.S. microchip manufacturing. The Commerce Department is in the final stages of distributing grants to approximately 20 companies to bring chip production back to America.

"I'm driving my team really hard right now. Worked all weekend. I'd like to have the really almost all the money obligated by the time we leave."
(04:05)

She expresses confidence that the CHIPS Act will maintain bipartisan support due to its national security implications, differentiating it from other legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act, which lacked such consensus.

3. Artificial Intelligence Safety and Global Leadership

Raimondo is spearheading a global summit in San Francisco focused on establishing safety regulations for AI, a mandate empowered by President Biden's AI Executive Order.

"AI is the defining technology of our generation. It is a huge game changer."
(07:50)

The summit aims to gather leading scientists and technical experts worldwide to develop guardrails and standards to ensure AI's safe development. Raimondo emphasizes the United States' role as a leader in AI, highlighting the country's advanced AI chips and models.

When questioned about the incoming administration's stance on AI policies, Raimondo remains optimistic about continuity:

"We lead the world. We need to run as fast as we can to continue to innovate, to lead the world... This is something that is good for America and the world."
(10:52)

4. Bipartisan Support and National Security Focus

Raimondo addresses concerns about potential rollbacks from the Republican-led administration, affirming that many of the Commerce Department's initiatives have bipartisan underpinnings.

"The CHIPS act is a national security program and is still has great bipartisan support to this day."
(05:23)

She details ongoing collaborations with Republican leaders, ensuring that key programs like broadband and workforce development remain resilient against political shifts.

5. U.S.-China Relations and Technological Competition

A significant portion of Raimondo's work involves managing the competitive yet complex relationship with China, especially concerning technology and national security.

"Our competition with China requires day by day, vigilance."
(15:16)

She highlights unfinished business, such as finalizing CHIPS awards and implementing new rules for Chinese-connected vehicles in the U.S., which are crucial for protecting American interests.

6. Economic Impact and Job Creation

Addressing the economic implications of her initiatives, Raimondo differentiates between bipartisan-supported programs like CHIPS and more partisan efforts like the Inflation Reduction Act.

"How do I define the success of chips, it's making 20% of the world's leading edge chips in the United States of America... It's a national security goal."
(18:01)

She projects that the CHIPS Act will generate approximately one million jobs, fostering high-paying manufacturing positions and stimulating economic growth across the country.

7. Engagement with Business Leaders and Future Outlook

Raimondo discusses her accessible leadership style, frequently engaging directly with CEOs and industry leaders to drive policy implementation.

"I sweat the details. I really care about the work and I'm not afraid to dig into it."
(19:14)

When asked about her future plans post-tenure, Raimondo remains candid about her uncertainty, focusing instead on ensuring her team is well-prepared for the transition.

"I don't know where we're going to be living a year from now or what we're going to be doing... I'm way more focused on them right now than myself."
(20:15)

8. Conclusion

As Raimondo's term as Commerce Secretary draws to a close, her legacy is marked by a strengthened Commerce Department that plays a critical role in national security through technological advancement. Her efforts in implementing the CHIPS and Science Act and leading global AI safety initiatives underscore her commitment to maintaining U.S. leadership in key tech sectors.

Notable Quotes:

• Raimondo on AI Leadership:
  "The United States is the clear, unequivocal leader in AI."
  (09:59)

• Raimondo on Bipartisan Support:
  "The CHIPS act is a national security program and is still has great bipartisan support to this day."
  (05:23)

• Raimondo on Future Plans:
  "I don't know... I'm way more focused on them right now than myself."
  (20:15)

This episode provides an insightful look into Gina Raimondo’s strategic initiatives aimed at securing America’s technological and economic future. Her proactive approach in engaging with both domestic and international stakeholders highlights the pivotal role of the Commerce Department in today’s tech-driven landscape.