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The Ezra Klein Show · April 21, 2026 · 1h 32m

Why Are Palantir and OpenAI Scared of Alex Bores?

Alex Bores
Show Notes

Alex Bores, a New York state assemblyman running for Congress, has become a central figure in the AI regulation debate. Despite his former work at Palantir, he's now championing policies that would increase AI transparency and create an AI dividend to redistribute profits to the public. His campaign has drawn millions in attack spending from a super PAC backed by founders of major AI companies, making his race a pivotal battleground over who controls the future of the AI industry.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Novel

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AI Dividend—Redistributing Tech Profits to the Public
Bores proposes an AI dividend that would redistribute a portion of profits from AI companies directly to the public, similar to universal basic income models but tied to AI-specific wealth generation.
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Highlights

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AI Transparency as a Core Policy Demand
Bores's platform includes extensive demands for AI companies to be more transparent about safety testing, capabilities, and limitations—positioning transparency as foundational to any regulatory framework.
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Editorial

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AI Companies Fear Regulation From Former Insiders
Tech companies are spending millions to attack an AI regulation candidate who previously worked inside the industry, suggesting insiders pose a particular threat because they understand both the technology and the business model.
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Who Controls AI's Future—Company Founders or Democratic Process
The race frames a fundamental question: should the future direction of AI be determined by the founders and executives of the companies building it, or should it be subject to democratic input and regulation?
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Former Palantir Employee Becomes Tech Critic
Bores worked at Palantir, one of the most controversial AI/surveillance technology companies, before moving into a role as an AI regulation advocate—a shift that requires explanation.
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References

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Give People Money — Annie Lowrey — framework for universal economic redistribution
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A Theory of Justice — John Rawls — philosophical foundation for just distribution
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World Eaters — Catherine Bracy — AI and societal impact
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Bird by Bird — Anne Lamott — writing and creative process

Misc

✧Bores is being attacked by a super PAC funded by the very tech founders he's trying to regulate—unusual positioning for a candidate from inside the industry
✧His campaign includes both transparency demands AND an economic redistribution mechanism (AI dividend), not just regulation
✧The contrast between his Palantir background and current policy platform suggests a genuine ideological shift, not opportunism
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