Virginia Candidate Engages AI in Debate After Opponent Declines

The race for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia took an unusual turn on March 5, 2024, when Republican candidate John Reid engaged in a debate with an artificial intelligence version of his opponent, Ghazala Hashmi. Hashmi, the Democratic candidate, has consistently declined invitations to participate in debates, prompting Reid to create an AI-driven alternative.

The 40-minute debate, streamed live on YouTube under the title “The Debate That Should Have Happened,” featured a recorded moderator posing questions. Reid answered these inquiries in real time, while Hashmi’s responses were generated using AI technology, mimicking her speaking style. Reid’s campaign emphasized that the debate was fully cited and designed to reflect Hashmi’s publicly stated positions.

Reid expressed his commitment to transparency, stating, “Virginians deserve to see a side-by-side contrast, and since my opponent won’t show up, I had to force the issue myself.” His initiative aims to inform voters about the differing perspectives of the candidates.

The Democratic Party of Virginia criticized Reid’s approach, labeling it as a “shoddy gimmick.” Ava Pitruzzello, a spokesperson for Hashmi’s campaign, characterized the debate as a “desperate move,” suggesting that Reid should direct his efforts towards engaging with voters rather than producing videos.

The role of Lieutenant Governor in Virginia is significant, serving as both an executive officer and a legislative figure. The Lieutenant Governor acts as the president of the Virginia Senate, voting only to break ties, which can influence crucial legislative decisions. Additionally, the Lieutenant Governor is first in line for the governorship.

This isn’t the first instance of artificial intelligence being utilized in a political debate in Virginia. In 2023, an AI bot known as “Don Bot” represented Congressman Don Beyers in a debate for Virginia’s 8th District. The use of AI in political discourse raises questions about the evolving nature of campaigning and voter engagement in the digital age.

As the election approaches, the unconventional debate may impact public perception and voter enthusiasm in a race that continues to garner attention across the state.