He is the only one who can change the conversation and end Trump’s reign of terror.

I’m not just fangirling now–though I am a fan. There are practical and strategic reasons why Tristan Harris needs to form an independent party and run for president.

I can imagine the counterargument now–no, he can move faster and do more in the private sector–but it’s not about that. Tristan Harris on the ballot changes the conversation away from Trump’s lunacy, and focuses it where it should be: The future of AI technology from an ethical, not monetary perspective.

Not to mention, he has a lot going for him as a candidate.

Thorough understanding of the tech industry–which is the same as thorough understanding of military weapons and warfare in the 21st century.

And what’s more, he’s an ethicist. For a living. And he’s been sounding the whistle on the dangers of social media and AI for a long time.

He communicates complicated ideas in understandable ways.

This is a particular talent, and while it shouldn’t be the only thing that matters, it matters. And he’s got the goods.

He has public trust.

He’s not a politician. He’s not an entertainer. He is a guy who says things that are both verifiably true and that you can check with your gut and experiences, and he always comes out okay.

He has reasonable solutions to existential problems.

It’s a relief to hear him speak, because most of us don’t know what to do, and he has a plan. That beats the hell out of cross your fingers and hope you don’t die.

He’s young, …good looking for a nerd…, and smart.

That’s inspiring for the kids.

The only way to make AI the number one issue in the next election, and in the right context, is to put him on the ballot.

Can you imagine a debate? I mean….obviously Trump won’t agree to any debates in the next election. But if he did…I mean, he would just look like a doddering old fool. Even if Trump were 20 years younger and at his mental best (ha), his strong man shit would just seem so very yesterday–obviously we have bigger more existential problems than that, which REQUIRE deep knowledge, that you don’t have.

But Tristan does. Suddenly, it matters again that a candidate be smart.

Democrats could not simply ride on “At least we’re not Trump.” They would also have to adopt Tristan’s ethics on AI.

Because at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter if Tristan is on the ballot and is the actual president. It matters that his agenda be the most important agenda taken up by the President of the United States, which affects every aspect of American life–and life all over the world.

Watch this.

Yes, it’s long. But whether or not you agree he should run for president, this is an important reality check for all of us–and an optimistic one. Never believe there’s nothing we can do.