A surprising video featuring Rep. Jim Clyburn, a senior Democratic lawmaker, has surfaced again, showing him admitting to being unfamiliar with AI. He candidly stated, “I didn’t know what that was until about a week ago,” amidst a growing national conversation about artificial intelligence and its potential implications.
During an appearance on the “America, Actually” podcast in the summer, the 86-year-old Clyburn expressed his lack of knowledge about AI in a conversation with host Astead Herndon, who had asked if he used technologies like ChatGPT or Claude.
“I’m jealous. You’ve got yourself in a bubble,” Herndon responded in disbelief.
“That may sound strange to you. I didn’t know what that was,” Clyburn acknowledged, demonstrating a disconnect with current tech trends. When asked if he had ever visited a data center, he admitted he had not.
Herndon pressed, “Given the rapid technological changes and the public’s anxiety about AI’s impact on work, how can you legislate effectively as someone who’s not in tune with these changes?”
Clyburn replied, “I have a great staff. I wish I could know everything. I don’t know everything, and I don’t spend my time trying to learn everything. What I focus on is surrounding myself with knowledgeable people.”
He further explained, “I know how to legislate. I know how to build relationships. I hire people who bring the necessary expertise that I can rely on.”
The video clip sparked a wave of shocked reactions on social media.
One user expressed concern: “This is insane. We are so doomed as a country to be governed by the elderly. Jim Clyburn is an incredible man with an incredible legacy. But this is horrendous. AI is altering society daily.”
On Monday, the video gained traction after far-left New York City Councilwoman Sandy Nurse shared it, stating, “Well, this clip doesn’t inspire any confidence in Federal legislators. It’s actually great that we’re having this hearing and moving legislation as the largest municipality in the country.”
Earlier that day, the Council had held an AI safety hearing featuring whistleblower Jacob Coxon from Anthropic, among others.
The Post has reached out for comments from Clyburn’s office.
