Illinois Governor JB Pritzker sat down for a conversation about artificial intelligence, technology, privacy and the political shifts he believes are underway as the 2024 midterm elections approach. The interview, recorded for the Decoder podcast, touched on everything from the role of government in solving collective‑action problems to the future of the Chicago Bears.
“Some problems are just collective‑action problems that require the government to do a lot of work,” Pritzker said. “We can’t solve all these problems one at a time, or even one state at a time.” He argued that the government must move beyond being a mere collaborator with big business and become a defender of ordinary citizens, especially as new technologies increasingly intrude on daily life.
The governor also addressed a question that many listeners were eager to hear about: the Bears’ possible relocation. “It is not our intention to move the Bears out of Illinois,” he replied. “We are in discussions with the Bears and the NFL about keeping the team either in Chicago or in Arlington Heights, but in Illinois.” He described Illinois as a “tough negotiator” and said the talks reflect a broader generational realignment in politics.
Pritzker drew a parallel with California Governor Gavin Newsom’s handling of the Paramount merger lawsuit, suggesting both situations illustrate how government and business relations are being renegotiated. “There is a generational change, and I think it’s also an attitudinal change about protecting taxpayers and protecting people who are among the most vulnerable to the technology that is overtaking people’s lives,” he said.
At 61, Pritzker described himself as a former businessman who now sees his primary duty as protecting the working people of Illinois. He noted that the Democratic Party is becoming more aggressive on issues such as data centers, privacy and antitrust enforcement. “I see the realignment in data centers, in privacy, and I would add a third, which is antitrust broadly,” he explained.
When asked about artificial intelligence, Pritzker warned that the technology could dramatically extend human lifespan but also pose existential threats comparable to nuclear weapons. “AI could help us live to 100 years, but it could also be as dangerous as a nuclear weapon if we don’t get the governance right,” he said.
The interview concluded with a reminder to subscribe to Decoder on YouTube for new episodes released each Monday and Thursday.