WASHINGTON, DC — The American Edge Project, a coalition of two dozen domestic organizations, will air its latest ad, “Edward,” during tonight’s Vice Presidential Debate, which will be broadcast on CBS.

The spot features a small coffee company that relies on cutting-edge technology to connect with minority roasters and reach new customers. It warns that anti-innovation policies could harm local businesses and strengthen foreign competitors, particularly China.

AEP aired one of the eight national ads during the June 27th CNN presidential debate and another during the September 10th ABC presidential debate.

“These debates offer a rare opportunity to highlight to the American people the vital importance of U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence and tech innovation,” said Doug Kelly, CEO of the American Edge Project. “Misguided policies that undermine innovation will hurt small businesses, like the one run by Edward, and empower authoritarian regimes abroad. The stakes are too high for us to get this wrong.”

Watch “Edward” here.

SCRIPT: 

“I started our coffee company four years ago…

“Today, we work with minority coffee roasters all across America.

“Exciting technologies like artificial intelligence are strengthening small businesses like mine.

“American companies are investing billions making the United States the global leader in AI.

“But some politicians are creating unnecessary fear about AI.

“That will only empower China to leap ahead of America.

“Our leaders need to stand up to China and protect America’s competitive edge.”

BACKGROUND:

The American Edge Project is a coalition of domestic organizations representing a cross-section of U.S. innovators who are dedicated to telling the story about technology’s positive influence on America’s economy and the vital role innovation plays in our society. Former New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez, former U.S. Representative Chris Carney, and former Federal Election Commission Chairman Bradley A. Smith are directors of the American Edge Project. AEP’s National Security Advisory Board is comprised of Former White House Counterterrorism and Homeland Security Advisor Frances Townsend; retired four-star General Joseph F. Dunford Jr., United States Marine Corps (USMC), who served as former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and former Acting Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Michael J. Morell. Former U.S. Senators Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) and Kent Conrad (D-ND) serve as Co-Chairs of the Project’s Economic Advisory Board. Former U.S. Representative Greg Walden (R-OR) and Former U.S. Representative Loretta Sanchez (D-CA) serve as Co-Chairs of the Project’s Open & Accessible Internet Advisory Board.

Visit AmericanEdgeProject.org for more information. 

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