Political Wire

SubscribeSign in
  • Front Page
  • Trending
  • Polling Dashboard
  • Trial Balloon
  • Books
  • Membership
    • Subscribe
    • Sign In
  • Sign In
  • Contact Us
Theme
Text size

The Summer That America Became a Nation of Luddites

August 15, 2026 · 6:19 am ET · Leave a Comment

Wall Street Journal: “As the mood of the nation sours on Silicon Valley’s vision for the future, Flock cameras and data centers have become personae non grata in several communities. In many ways, they are physical manifestations of artificial intelligence—an incorporeal technology—that’s fueling both big dreams and new nightmares.”

“On Thursday, amid mounting public pressure, Flock announced changes aimed at addressing fears over access to license-plate data its cameras collect across the country for law-enforcement agencies and other customers.”

“That blowback comes as a rush to build out data centers for AI has sparked backlashes in several states, becoming a major political issue in elections that will decide gubernatorial races and control of Congress in November.”

Technology

← PreviousThe Iran War Is Now About Economic PressureNext →Trump Wants to Put Golden Seals On His Ballroom

Latest on Political Wire

  • 3:55 pm2026 Midterm Could Be the Most Expensive Ever
  • 3:53 pmJustice Department Sues California Over ‘Noncitizen Voters’
  • 3:35 pmMissouri GOP Attacks Judge Selection Process

Front page →

Political Wire is reader-supported. Join for ad-free reading, member posts and new features →

Taegan Goddard

Taegan Goddard

Taegan Goddard is the founder of Political Wire -- which for more than two decades has been one of the nation's most influential political news sites.

More about Taegan Goddard →

?Political Trivia

  • The Way It Was
    Eight moments in political history. Put them on a timeline.
    Play →
  • Yea or Nay?
    Five senators. Three bills. Can you guess how they all voted?
    Play →
  • Split Decision
    Nine Justices. One case. How did they rule?
    Play →
  • Pollster
    Do you have your finger on the pulse of America?
    Play →
  • Daily Trivia
    Four questions a day.
    Play →

A new game every day.

Your Account

Members

For the full experience, sign in.

Become a Member

  • Join Political Wire
  • Gift a Membership

Members Only

  • Republicans Aren’t Buying Their Own Spin
  • Jon Ossoff Makes a Promise Clinton and Obama Also Made
  • The GOP’s Closing Argument Is About Democrats
  • Weekly News Quiz
  • The Senate Map Has Turned Upside Down

?Political Trivia

  • The Way It Was →
  • Yea or Nay? →
  • Split Decision →
  • Pollster →
  • Daily Trivia →

Word of the Day Political Dictionary

Chicago-style politics

“Chicago-style politics” is a phrase used to characterize a supposedly offensive tough, “take-no-prisoners” or “hardball” approach to politics.

Read the definition →

Yesterday’s Word of the Day: Pinko

Show me a random term

Copyright © 2026 · Goddard Media LLC

Political Wire® is a registered trademark of Goddard Media LLC

Also from Goddard Media: Political Dictionary · Political Job Hunt · Electoral Vote Map

Privacy PolicyCorrections PolicyContact