The economy is expected to play a paramount role in the presidential debate this evening. 89% of Americans have stated that “the issue of handling the economy” will be an important factor in determining their vote, with 62% calling it “very important.” Voters in this election will have witnessed both candidates’ economic performance in office, a spectacle that hasn’t happened since 1892. Both candidates are expected to make sweeping claims about unemployment, inflation, federal spending and labor and employment regulations. Central to all of this will be immigration. Though immigration has helped boost the labor market, the topic is the most politically polarizing issue in the past 25 years according to Gallup voter polling. Though Trump has been promising mass deportations and strict entry regulations, experts say that any halt or reversal in immigration “could cause painful labor shortfalls and shortages in key industries – pushing up prices.” Margins in key battleground states – Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Nevada and Georgia –  are slim, and many sources have stated that the election will likely be decided by working class voters in these jurisdictions. 

In yesterday’s News and Commentary, Everest wrote about the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees’ tentative contract with Hollywood studios. A key provision in this contract is its AI guardrails, a topic that has gained increasing traction. Attention in this area has shifted over to Washington, with actors like Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum, along with several unions, asking the federal government to establish nationwide regulations on the issue. The current draft legislation on this topic – titled the NO FAKES Act – would prohibit the use of AI to produce unauthorized replicas of one’s likeness of voice. However, more is likely needed to protect jobs and livelihoods, a concern that has been top of mind for unions like SAG-AFTRA and IATSE.