POLITICO Tech Episode Summary: Rep. Ro Khanna Wants Elon Musk to Work with Government, Not Against It

Release Date: November 21, 2024
Host: Stephen Overlea
Guest: Congressman Ro Khanna

1. Introduction

In this episode of POLITICO Tech, host Stephen Overlea engages in a comprehensive discussion with Congressman Ro Khanna about the evolving relationship between technology, politics, and policy. Khanna shares his insights on the Democratic Party's strategy in Silicon Valley, the potential collaboration with tech moguls like Elon Musk, and the broader implications of technological advancements on the American economy and society.

2. Democratic Party's Strategy in Silicon Valley

Declining Support and Future Pathways

Rep. Ro Khanna opens the conversation by addressing the recent decline in Democratic support within Silicon Valley, a traditionally stronghold for the party. He emphasizes the importance of not taking Silicon Valley's allegiance for granted, citing its unique "contrarian streak" and independent mindset (02:06).

Embracing Technology for Economic Rebuilding

Khanna advocates for the Democratic Party to position itself as the "party of building" and the "party of the future." He outlines a vision where the party leverages cutting-edge technologies like AI and robotics to rejuvenate American manufacturing, create modern high-paying jobs, and revitalize both urban and small communities. This approach, he believes, is crucial for winning back voters not only in Silicon Valley but also in the heartland areas where support has wavered.

“We need to be the party of building. We need to be the party of the future... My hope is to engage Silicon Valley in building things.”
— Ro Khanna (02:06)

3. The Role of Elon Musk in Government Collaboration

Constructive Engagement vs. Dismantling Government

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Elon Musk's role in shaping government policies. Khanna expresses a nuanced perspective, hoping that Musk would embody the collaborative spirit of FDR’s "dollar a year men," working alongside the government and unions to build infrastructure rather than undermining governmental institutions.

“My hope for Elon Musk would have been that he would have been one of FDR's dollar a year men or women who would be working to build things with government, with unions...”
— Ro Khanna (01:15)

Defense Contractors and Government Efficiency

Khanna criticizes the bloated share of the defense budget allocated to prime contractors, drawing parallels to historical efforts by President Harry Truman to curb excesses. He suggests that Musk's focus on reducing bureaucracy could lead to meaningful cost-cutting in areas like defense spending, though he remains skeptical about the administration's commitment to such reforms.

“Harry Truman went after defense contractors in World War II, made him president, and the situation today is worse...”
— Ro Khanna (06:19)

4. Technology and Economic Renewal

Addressing Technological Anxiety

Khanna acknowledges the public's concerns about AI and automation potentially leading to job losses. He counters these fears by advocating for the creation of "modern factories" that integrate advanced technologies while ensuring that workers receive a fair share of the increased productivity. This includes higher wages, stock ownership, and strong union representation.

“We got to have the modern factories, the modern jobs, and make sure these jobs are available in their communities... We’ve got to democratize technology to make sure it's actually benefiting people.”
— Ro Khanna (04:44)

Combining Traditional Skills with Modern Innovation

Khanna highlights the disparity between regions experiencing economic decline and wealthy districts like Silicon Valley. He argues for a national strategy that merges traditional manufacturing skills with modern technological advancements to foster economic dynamism and reduce inequality.

“The challenge is that we haven't come together as a nation where we take the manufacturing skill, the work ethic, the traditions of these communities and combine it with modern technology...”
— Ro Khanna (03:15)

5. Future of Tech in Washington

Comparing Historical and Current Tech Dynamics

Reflecting on the evolution of tech's role in politics, Khanna compares the current landscape to the Obama era, noting that today's technology, particularly AI, has a more profound impact on society and the economy. He emphasizes the necessity of proper regulation and safeguards to ensure technology uplifts rather than divides communities.

“AI is a revolutionary technology like electricity, like the automobile... We're in this age of extraordinary technological progress, extraordinary economic growth.”
— Ro Khanna (15:10)

Expectations from the Incoming Administration

While optimistic about the potential for technological entrepreneurship, Khanna expresses doubt that the incoming administration will adequately address the fundamental issue of economic inequality. He stresses the need for policies that ensure technological advancements benefit all communities, not just the affluent.

“I am not convinced [the administration]... they're not going to address the fundamental challenge in America, which is the inequality between places and people.”
— Ro Khanna (15:10)

6. Bipartisan Engagement and Future Challenges

Honest and Constructive Dialogue with Tech Leaders

Khanna advises fellow Democrats to engage with tech leaders like Elon Musk through honest discussions, acknowledging both their contributions and areas of disagreement. He underscores the importance of intellectual honesty and factual debates to build a constructive relationship.

“Even if you dislike him on certain policies and disagreements on policy, strong disagreements... have the intellectual honesty to understand what he has done...”
— Ro Khanna (11:18)

Navigating a Potential Trump 2.0 Administration

Addressing concerns about the resilience of bipartisan efforts in the face of a Trump-like administration, Khanna emphasizes selective resistance. He advocates for opposing specific extreme actions rather than adopting a blanket stance against the administration, allowing for strategic engagement where beneficial.

“We gotta pick our battles... if he starts to have the military go to Politico and start looking at everyone... then we resist that.”
— Ro Khanna (12:22)

7. Conclusion

Rep. Ro Khanna articulates a vision where the Democratic Party harnesses technological advancements to foster economic renewal and reduce inequality. By collaborating with influential tech figures and embracing innovation, Khanna believes the party can rebuild support across diverse communities. The conversation underscores the critical intersection of technology and policy in shaping the future of American politics and society.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Ro Khanna (02:06): “We need to be the party of building. We need to be the party of the future... My hope is to engage Silicon Valley in building things.”

• Ro Khanna (01:15): “My hope for Elon Musk would have been that he would have been one of FDR's dollar a year men or women who would be working to build things with government, with unions...”

• Ro Khanna (04:44): “We got to have the modern factories, the modern jobs... We’ve got to democratize technology to make sure it's actually benefiting people.”

• Ro Khanna (15:10): “AI is a revolutionary technology like electricity, like the automobile...”

• Ro Khanna (12:22): “We gotta pick our battles... if he starts to have the military go to Politico and start looking at everyone... then we resist that.”

This detailed summary captures the essence of the conversation between Stephen Overlea and Rep. Ro Khanna, highlighting the key discussions on the Democratic Party’s strategy in Silicon Valley, the potential partnership with Elon Musk, the role of technology in economic growth, and the future trajectory of tech policy in Washington.