Progressive Democrats taking hardline positions against AI are getting louder. Why it matters: Five influential progressives are shaping a confrontational Democratic message on AI, distinguishing themselves from party centrists by openly challenging data centers and AI-linked political money. At the center is Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) , who has led the progressive anti-AI movement with proposals for: A moratorium on data centers. Collaborating with China on AI safety. Protecting workers from AI-fueled displacement. Sanders is also making AI a flashpoint in his long-held objection to money in politics, calling on Democrats not to take super PAC money, especially from AI-linked groups. He recently introduced the Abolish Super PACs Act and warned at a press conference unveiling the bill about the growing influence of AI super PACs. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) is going all in on the data center moratorium push, holding up jars of brown, polluted water during a recent congressional hearing.…