Gates confronts the Epstein questions hanging over his AI push

The big picture: Asked by Axios whether the controversy could cause people to dismiss his arguments or reduce his credibility, Gates compared the moment to other periods when his personal or professional troubles overwhelmed the issues he wanted to discuss.

• "When I was in the antitrust trial, my promotion of PCs was somewhat reduced," Gates said. "As I went through my divorce, my discussion of African health was ... somewhat reduced."

Then he turned directly to Epstein.

• "What I did do, in some ways, was very limited, and it was motivated by my desire to raise money," Gates said. "But ... it was a huge mistake."
• "I made mistakes," Gates said. "I've changed. I'm going to be careful about stuff like that."
• Gates reiterated that the relationship ended in 2014 and said his interactions were motivated by efforts to raise money for philanthropic efforts.

Zoom in: Gates said he was grateful for the recent opportunity to address Congress and answer any and all questions.

• "It eventually led, which I was very glad, to my getting to sit for and answer any question anybody ever wanted most of a day," he said.
• "I do think the record is clear, and people can just judge me on the record."

Go deeper: Bill Gates sounds the alarm on an AI transition