Key Points
- An AI likeness of Congressman Don Beyer, dubbed “DonBot,” participated in a virtual political debate in Beyer’s absence.
- During the online debate, Independent challengers Bentley Hensel and David Kennedy fielded questions on key issues, such as gun control.
- The AI responses were based on Beyer’s public statements and website, aiming for accuracy without bias.
- Experts suggest that the use of AI in politics could grow, especially if legislation fails to regulate its future application in elections.
In an unconventional political move, a virtual debate featuring U.S. Congressman Don Beyer’s artificial intelligence (AI) likeness was held online last Thursday. The event, organized by two independent challengers, marked a novel—if glitch-filled—attempt to incorporate AI into the electoral process.
The debate streamed on YouTube and Rumble, featured challengers Bentley Hensel and David Kennedy alongside “DonBot,” an AI-generated version of the Democratic incumbent Don Beyer. The AI version of Beyer was created to respond to policy questions based on materials from Beyer’s website and public statements, offering a unique twist to the debate format.
The hour-long debate was relatively low-key, with minimal viewership and technical glitches. Despite these issues, the event highlighted emerging questions about the role of AI in future political campaigns and debates. Hensel had previously stated that he developed the AI software to provide accurate responses without bias, ensuring that Beyer’s positions were represented fairly even in his absence.
Beyer, who is expected to easily win re-election after capturing nearly 75% of the vote in the 2022 election, opted not to attend the debate. Instead, “DonBot” appeared on-screen as a robot icon above the label “DonBot” and responded to questions in a mechanical voice that did not mimic the congressman’s own. Despite the innovative nature of the event, the AI struggled with audio issues, rendering it inaudible at times and detracting from the overall experience.
Gun control, U.S. aid to Israel, and healthcare access were among the topics discussed during the debate. When asked why voters should reelect Beyer, the AI responded, “My answer is simple: I believe that I can make a real difference in the lives of the people of Virginia’s 8th district.”
When questioned about U.S. support for Israel, the AI stated that Beyer would not support withholding aid or weapons until a Palestinian state is established. Beyer himself has previously voted against additional military aid to Israel, citing its wealth and borrowing capacity. However, he has expressed support for humanitarian assistance and defensive capabilities for the country.
The debate’s viewership peaked at fewer than 20 viewers on YouTube, with parts of DonBot’s answers rendered inaudible. Despite the debate’s limited reach and technical difficulties, political observers see the event as a sign of things to come. As AI technology continues to evolve, its use in political campaigns and debates could become more widespread, especially if lawmakers fail to introduce regulations governing its use.
