Tech Broke Democracy With Social Media. AI Is Next. (w /Josh Tyrangiel)

In this episode of *The Bulwark*, host John Avalon speaks with journalist Josh Tyrangiel about his new book, *AI for Good*, focusing on how artificial intelligence can be harnessed to reinvent government and solve systemic inefficiencies. The conversation centers on the transformative role AI played during Operation Warp Speed, where General Gus Perna used Palantir’s data integration tools to create a real-time, end-to-end view of vaccine production and distribution—overcoming chaos and political inertia. Tyrangiel argues that the real obstacle isn’t AI itself, but the outdated systems of government that resist software-driven innovation, citing Gall’s Law: complex systems must start simple and evolve. He highlights how government’s inability to adapt to evolving software—due to rigid contracts, political accountability fears, and lack of technical literacy—has led to a crisis in public service delivery. Despite this, he finds hope in unsung government technologists like Jennifer Palka and companies like Palantir, which, when freed from political interference, can deliver results. The episode ultimately calls for a cultural and structural shift in how government approaches technology—not as a vendor-driven product, but as a living, responsive system built on agile, user-centered design.