Virginia congressional candidates debate the incumbent’s AI — with a few glitches

An online debate held Thursday against the likeness of a sitting congressman using artificial intelligence — marking a gray area in the technology’s use in elections — brought few fireworks, few spectators and a few glitches.

The debate, which pitted two independent challengers against incumbent Don Beyer, a Democrat, was streamed on YouTube and Rumble. As Reuters first reported, challenger Bentley Hensel used his website and other materials to create an AI version of Beyer to answer political questions, allowing him to debate whether or not Beyer showed up.

Beyer, who opted out of the hour-long event, was represented by a robotic icon over the word “DonBot” reading answers in a robotic voice that did not mimic the congressman’s. Both Hensel and David Kennedy, as well as representatives of the debate’s sponsors, appeared on camera. Republican Jerry Torres was not present.

Beyer, who received almost three-quarters of the vote in 2022, is expected to easily win re-election. Hensel previously told Reuters that he designed the software to answer accurately based on source materials and not distort answers to benefit challengers.

The candidates answered questions about, among other things, gun control, restrictions on aid deliveries to Israel and access to health care. When asked why voters should re-elect Beyer, the AI ​​responded, “My answer is simple: I believe I can make a real difference in the lives of people in Virginia’s 8th District.”

The program said it would oppose withholding all aid and arms shipments to Israel rather than establishing a Palestinian state if proposed. Beyer himself voted against additional aid to Israel in April, saying the country was wealthy and could borrow money.

“I support humanitarian aid and have voted for funding for defense capabilities in the past,” he said.

A Beyer spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment left after business hours.

Viewership of the debate on YouTube peaked at less than 20 viewers, and DonBot was inaudible for portions of some answers, making them seem more like a stunt than consequential.

Still, observers say the use of AI is likely to become more common in future elections, especially if lawmakers fail to pass meaningful legislation to regulate its use.