'We're counting on you': Mitt Romney issues an urgent plea to journalists

WASHINGTON — Facing unforeseen challenges the likes of which the United States has never confronted will require a resurgence of American journalism and an informed electorate. “I don't recall a period during my life when there are so many black swans flying around,” the Republican party’s 2012 presidential nominee said. “Now, the resurgence of journalism, and with a more knowledgeable and informed electorate, wouldn't be so critical if this weren't such a critical time.” RELATED ARTICLE: Inside the Republican playbook for crushing press freedoms Of particular concern to Romney are China’s emergence as a military superpower, entitlements, climate change and the potential of artificial intelligence to cause catastrophic harm. “The actual figure is a little frightening,” Romney said, noting that even though the United States vastly outspends the rest of the world on its military, only 15 percent of that money goes to equipment procurement, with the vast majority going to veterans’ salaries, housing and benefits. He pointed to a report that said “of the people who are developing AI on average, they believe there's a 10 percent chance the AI being developed will eliminate humanity.” “You would think with something of that scale as a threat that Washington would be working to find ways to work with others around the world to make sure that something of that nature doesn't occur," Romney said.