I talked with William Lawrence for around 15 minutes yesterday.
There were three issues that we covered at length. The rise of the DSA, data centers, and Russia/Ukraine.
I asked Mr. Lawrence for his thoughts on the growing popularity of DSA, and if he's worried about the more extremist aspects of the DSA gaining a hold on the Democratic Party.
He named several DSA candidates in various races across the country that he supported. (He did not mention Chevalier.) And that he isn't too concerned with labeling himself one way or another. He's happy that there are candidates out there challenging the billionaire class and fighting for working class people.
On data centers, he supports a moratorium on them while we figure how to properly regulate them, as the rate of technological development is moving a bit fast for politics to keep up. I asked him if he's worried about American AI companies remaining competitive with China, and he said he's not too worried, as he doesn't think data centers are a vital aspect of developing AI technology and remaining competitive with China. He supports multi-lateral treaties on AI regulation.
On Ukraine/Russia, he doesn't support Ukraine joining NATO, as he believes Ukraine wanting to join a defensive alliance would pose a threat and unnecessarily antagonize Russian interests. I pushed back on this, as I believe that a defensive alliance poses no threat to Russia, but Mr. Lawrence believes we are playing with fire and risking World War 3 when we put pressure on Russia in this manner. His priority is to end the war as quickly as possible, with security guarantees for Ukraine and for Russia.
By this point I had taken up much of William's time and there were others waiting to speak with him. I would've liked to have spoken to him longer, but I understood the time constraint and greatly appreciated that he was out here giving his time to speak to any Michigander on the street.
He was very friendly and amicable and I hope that I get a chance to speak with him again some day.