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The Impact A weekly look at the intersection of AI, advocacy, and politics from the team at MFStrategies | www.MFStrategies.com |
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You’re not just running for office. You’re moving people. To believe. To act. To do something that used to feel impossible. At MFStrategies, we help campaigns and causes build stories that break through the noise and stay with supporters long after the ads fade. Our team blends national reach with local insight to help you connect hearts, not just hit numbers. We’ve set fundraising records, won uphill battles, and built movements that last. What story do you want told about you? |
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The Impact Podcast Hosts Addie and Hal break down this week's news in 10 minutes |
| The AI Campaign Playbook Our roadmap for how to implement AI safely and effectively in your organization. |
| Vendor Scorecards Coming soon |
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The fight over a single national AI rule is moving fast: a $100M super PAC is testing political loyalty while the White House vows to cut “red tape,” even as national-security controls keep the chokepoints on chips, data, and foreign ties. Big labs are signaling willingness to work with Trump on a federal standard that could preempt states, while cities and vendors race to set “people-first” guardrails. Expect more synthetic campaign stunts and fewer disclosure checks—tighten vendor vetting, set internal AI policies, and prep rapid response now. |
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AI / Political News of the Week
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Corporate Compliance Insights Takeaway The White House says it will cut AI “red tape,” but security rules are here to stay. Export controls, CFIUS, the new outbound‑investment program, and DOJ data‑security rules will still scrutinize AI chips, data centers, and foreign ties. Expect audits, licenses, and possible deal blocks.
Why it matters Deregulation promises faster AI, but national security screens still control chips, data, and deals. That squeeze could fuel disinformation while shifting compliance risk to companies—leaving campaigns to vet vendors, watch foreign ties, and plan for sudden reviews or halted projects. |
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| | | NBC News Takeaway A new $100 million super PAC, Leading the Future, will back candidates in both parties who support one national AI rule. The Trump White House is warning donors and “monitoring who is involved,” calling the effort a slap in the face. This fight is about blocking state AI laws and shaping close 2026 races where a few seats could decide the House.
Why it matters Expect tech money to flood swing races, making AI preemption a ballot test. The White House’s threats turn rulemaking into a loyalty fight—industry wants one federal rule; Trump wants control—leaving campaigns to weigh new cash against payback and voter distrust of Big Tech. |
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| | | Nextgov/FCW Takeaway After a public clash with White House AI and crypto czar David Sacks, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei said the company backs a national AI rule and will work with the Trump team. He said Anthropic opposed a 10-year ban on state AI laws in Trump’s bill, and supported California’s safety law aimed at top AI firms. He pushed back on “woke bias” claims and said chip controls, not state rules, matter most for U.S. strength.
Why it matters The Trump White House is likely to seek one national rule shaped with help from big labs, which could shrink tougher state protections. Anthropic’s split stance—courting Trump while backing California—signals a fight over whether Washington will override state rules and push “anti‑woke” content mandates. That choice will shape how AI handles speech, ads, and safety online. |
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| | | Governing Takeaway Virginia GOP candidate John Reid held a 40-minute YouTube “debate” with an AI version of Democrat Ghazala Hashmi. His team fed in her positions and used an AI voice, pulling from her site, interviews, and even far-right outlets. The stunt spotlights rising use of AI in campaigns and comes after Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed a bill requiring AI ad disclosures.
Why it matters This makes AI stand-ins seem normal and rewards spectacle over substance. After Youngkin’s veto of disclosure rules, copycats face few checks. Democrats must choose to ignore or counter, while voters sort fakes from facts. Can campaigns set clear lines before trust and turnout drop? |
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| | | Pulse 2.0 Takeaway Darwin AI raised $15 million led by Insight Partners to speed responsible AI adoption in government. The money will build out its governance and workflow tools and grow teams as demand rises in Texas, Ohio, California, Illinois, and Washington. Former IBM public sector lead Brenda Harvey joins the board as the company pitches guardrails to curb “shadow AI” in agencies.
Why it matters Expect faster adoption as a private platform sets government AI guardrails—reducing shadow tools but centralizing power. As AI moves from pilots to operations, public records, appeals, and costs will hinge on vendor rules—inviting fights over transparency, lock-in, and who audits the auditors. |
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| | | New America Takeaway New America’s RethinkAI hosted a Civic AI Summit in Boston and released a people-first framework for government AI. The report urges agencies to plan for higher demand, build shared civic infrastructure to listen at scale, and create two-way accountability to rebuild trust. Panels and workshops focused on trust, data governance, and centering community input over speed.
Why it matters City halls may adopt a “people-first” AI standard, shifting pressure to prove listening and accountability—not just speed. But think tanks and funders are writing the rules before voters weigh in, setting up fights over who controls the data and who benefits. |
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Worth thinking about “Any donors or supporters of this group should think twice about getting on the wrong side of Trump world.” — a White House official to NBC News |
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