Democratic presidential hopeful and tech entrepreneur Andrew Yang (File Photo by Robyn BECK/AFP via Getty Images)

(CNSNews.com) - Two Democrat presidential hopefuls warned at Wednesday's debate that the United States is falling behind on artificial intelligence research, which poses adverse consequences for our future.

First, Andrew Yang included lagging AI research among the "real threats of the 21st Century." And later, South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg warned, "If we fall behind on artificial intelligence, the most expensive ships that the United States is building just turned into bigger targets."

Yang was asked by debate moderators, "What has prepared you to respond to a disaster?"

"As commander in chief I think we need to be focused on the real threats of the 21st century," Yang responded.

And what are those threats? Climate change, artificial intelligence, loose nuclear material, military drones and non-state actors. And if you look up, we're in the process of potentially losing the AI arms race to China right now because they have more access to more data than we do, and their government is putting billions of dollars to work subsidizing the development of AI in a way we are not. We are 24 years behind on technology. And I can say that with authority because we got rid of the Office of Technology Assessment in 1995. Think about that timing. I guess they thought they'd invented everything. The next commander in chief has to be focused on the true threats of tomorrow. And that's what I will bring to the table as commander in chief.

Later, Buttigieg was asked if he would cut or increase military spending:

"We need to reprioritize our budget as a whole, and our military spending in particular" Buttigieg said.

It’s not just how much, although we certainly need to look at the runaway growth in military spending. It's also where. Right now we are spending a fraction of the intention and resources on things like the artificial intelligence research that China is doing right now. If we fall behind on artificial intelligence, the most expensive ships that the United States is building just turned into bigger targets. We do not have a 21st Century security strategy coming from this president. After all, he's relying on 17th Century security technologies like a moat full of alligators or a big wall. There is no concept of strategic planning for how civilian diplomatic and military security work needs to take place for the future.





