The Debate Of Virginia Congressional Candidates With Incumbent AI Is Surrounded By Some Disturbances

Don Beyer, from the Democratic Party, during a live campaign (photo: x @DonBeyerVA)

JAKARTA An online debate that took place on Thursday 17 October featured two independent challengers against the artificial intelligence (AI) version of the incumbent congressman, Don Beyer, of the Democratic Party. This debate highlighted the gray area in the use of AI technology during the election, but attracted only a few viewers and experienced some technical problems.

The debate, which was broadcast via YouTube and Rumble, shows Bentley Hensel's candidate using Beyer's AI version to answer policy questions, even though Beyer himself was not present. The AI version is given the robot icon under the name 'DonBot' and answers questions in robotic voice, although it does not imitate Beyer's original voice.

In this debate, Hensel and David Kennedy appeared on the screen, while Beyer was represented by AI. Questions about arms control, aid restrictions for Israel, and access to health services are topics discussed. The AI representing Beyer explained that it supports humanitarian aid and opposes cutting aid to Israel in total.

However, this debate did not go smoothly. Several times the AI representing Beyer was not clearly heard, and the number of viewers on YouTube was only less than 20 people.

However, the use of AI in elections is predicted to be more common in the future, especially if the law related to its use is not passed immediately.