Amid a series of calls for a "slowdown" among artificial intelligence (AI) experts recently, former U.S. President Barack Obama has joined the debate, stating that AI could become dangerous if not properly controlled.

According to The New York Times (NYT) on the 13th local time, former President Obama made the remarks during a closed-door Democratic fundraising event in Manhattan on the 10th, urging Democrats to make AI response a major political agenda item.

According to excerpts from his remarks provided by Obama's camp, he told House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, "I strongly encourage that if you become Speaker, Democrats establish a framework for public discussion."

Former President Obama clarified that he is neither an "accelerationist" who believes AI development should be pushed as fast as possible nor a "pessimist" who sees AI leading to catastrophe, adding, "If we manage it properly, it will certainly be a beneficial technology."

The NYT reported that while President Donald Trump downplays concerns over AI risks, some Democratic figures view AI as an issue that can differentiate them from the Republican Party in this midterm election.

President Trump also lashed out at AI risk theories on this day, saying, "I think there are too many negative forces highlighting things that shouldn't be highlighted."

As political divisions surrounding AI emerge, voters' anxieties regarding AI technology are also growing, pushing AI to the forefront as a major election issue.

Former President Obama emphasized that AI must be made a "core agenda item" in the 2028 presidential election as well, presenting "very clear plans" to address safety and economic impacts.

In fact, figures frequently mentioned as potential next presidential contenders within the Democratic Party have successively called for the necessity of AI regulations.

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said on NBC's Meet the Press that Democrats must "deal with the AI issue head-on."

He added, "We need safety guards. We need rules and we need limits. Uncontrolled AI needs a kill switch."

Another potential presidential hopeful, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, posted on X (formerly Twitter) on this day, stating, "It is long past time for the federal government to take this issue seriously and establish guardrails at home and abroad."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)