Wynton Hall of Breitbart News has boldly articulated a pressing issue regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI) that many conservatives have not yet grappled with. Speaking at the National Conservatism Conference in Washington, DC, Hall conveyed the urgent need for a cohesive conservative stance on AI. In his view, the left has successfully dominated the conversation around the technology, leaving conservatives unclear on where they stand.
Hall’s insights come in the context of his upcoming book, Code Red: The Left, the Right, China, and the Race to Control AI, set for release on March 17, 2026. He elaborated on the contrasts between traditional conservative beliefs on issues like pro-life stances and taxes versus the uncertain positions many have on AI. “When we talk about pro-life, we talk about gun control, we talk about national security… but it’s less so with AI,” he noted, emphasizing that conservatives lack a strong, unified viewpoint on this transformative technology.
Quoting Andrew Breitbart’s assertion that “politics is downstream from culture,” Hall stressed that current tech elites believe “code is upstream from culture.” This reflects a powerful dynamic where technological development influences societal values and norms, including political discourse. Hall emphasized, “AI is the most powerful political weapon,” suggesting its implications stretch beyond mere utility, affecting crucial policy areas like education, national security, and economics.
Central to Hall’s argument is the idea of a “narrative war” surrounding AI. He referenced a social experiment initiated by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who proposed providing unconditional income to low-income individuals. Such proposals echo the broader narrative of Universal Basic Income (UBI), which Hall believes could undermine the longstanding American work ethic and economic motivations. He vividly quotes Altman’s assertion that “fear of not eating” may not be the best way to motivate people in an AI-driven future, turning the notion of economic drive on its head. “That’s a pretty strident statement, right?” Hall remarked, highlighting concerns about the erosion of individual ambition and responsibility.
Hall delved deeper, questioning what the acceptance of AI would mean for the essence of work and productivity in America. He warned that reliance on technological solutions could foster dependency rather than empowerment. “Is the mode of AI going to mean that work is outdated, dependency is progress, and leisure is the future?” Hall asked, suggesting this shift is not only probable but possibly already upon us if conservatives do not engage in the debate.
The lack of a clear position on AI among conservatives unnerves Hall. He expressed concern that grassroots conservatives are not sufficiently informed or prepared to address the complexities of AI narratives. “Our usual place is a default position of conservatives defaulting to answering automation with the same refrain,” he pointed out. This hesitation could lead to missteps as the landscape of the workforce evolves dramatically due to advances in AI.
Hall noted that while large language models (LLMs) are currently being dismissed by some as insignificant, the implications they carry for job displacement and the economy must not be overlooked. He raised alarms about experts predicting significant changes to the job market, citing a prediction by Anthropic’s Dario Amodei regarding the potential vaporization of a large percentage of entry-level white-collar jobs. This foreshadows tough times ahead for today’s youth and working families.
As the conversation advanced, Hall laid out five critical points for conservatives to consider regarding the ever-looming AI development. He framed the current era as a “Code Red era,” emphasizing the need for a resolution that unites conservatives against the prevailing progressive narratives that threaten traditional values.
First, Hall underscored that handling AI is akin to fire, which can either serve constructive purposes or lead to destruction. He believes that conservatives must understand the implications of AI deployment and establish collective thought on how best to approach it. Second, he posited that future generations must be taught to create jobs, not just find them, as traditional employment structures evolve.
Hall is particularly worried about the long-term risks to white-collar jobs, asserting, “I think… kids are not going to just be able to be taught to find jobs; they’re going to have to be taught to create them.” This reflects a significant shift in economic preparation for the future workforce.
Next, he warned against the expanding role of government bureaucracy as a potential threat propelled by AI. Hall captured this concern by pointing out “invisible algorithms,” digital surveillance, and the creeping influence of social credit systems that could redefine individual freedoms.
Finally, he cautioned the youth and those with ambitions that they may face a “brutal speed efficiency” in the workforce, driven by the rapid changes brought on by AI. He believes that maintaining aspirations can become increasingly challenging in a fast-evolving economic environment.
While Hall expresses cautious optimism that conservatives have the means to win the narrative surrounding AI, he insists the urgency for action cannot be understated. “If the left wins, AI becomes dependence, surveillance, and indoctrination, and America drained of its soul,” he cautioned. “But on the other hand, we can fight against those pixelated prisons and keep the ideas flowing freely.”
His closing remarks reflected a vision of hope for the future of conservatism amid the rapidly changing technological landscape, suggesting that with collaboration and clear communication, America can preserve its foundational principles while engaging with the challenges posed by AI.
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