ARLINGTON, Va. — In a bizarre twist for election debates, on Thursday the 8th District of Virginia witnessed an unprecedented event: an Artificial Intelligence engaged in a debate with challengers.
Dubbed the "Don Bot," the AI represented Congressman Don Beyer during a debate.
It was the brainchild of one of Beyer’s independent challengers, Bentley Hensel. Hensel came up with the idea to find more ways to debate the long-serving incumbent.
The debate ran through a Zoom link and broadcast over the YouTube live channel for the True Representation Movement. The event was co-hosted by the Black Alumni Alliance.
WUSA9 sat in to see just how the AI would perform, and fact check it with Congressman Beyer’s campaign and congressional websites.
At the opening statements, Independents Hensel and David Kennedy gave their two-minute introductions. Then it was up to the Don Bot.
“I’ve been proud to serve the people of the eighth district of Virginia for over a decade now,” it said mirroring Beyer's long tenure in office.
Hensel had said in the past, that the Don Bot uses ChatGPT technology to draw information from Beyer’s websites, speeches, and voting records.
Through the first few questions, the Don Bot walked through answers on foreign policy and gun violence. It seemed to cover Beyer’s stances well.
For example, during a question on an assault weapons ban, the Don Bot answered effectively.
“Banning these weapons is a common-sense step towards reducing gun violence and protecting our citizens,” it responded.
Our research confirmed that Beyer has indeed sponsored and supported such legislation.
But, it wasn’t all perfect.
The AI struggled with more complex questions. When asked about Medicare for All, the Don Bot faltered, providing an incoherent response that left viewers confused. At one point trailing off then restarting with a message about carbon capture dividends.
We saw a pattern of missteps from the AI several times during the debate.
Through all this it was important to note, that the Beyer campaign did not endorse the use of the Don Bot. The campaign pointed out Beyer has not dodged debates. He has participated in two so far.
In a statement, they emphasized the importance of direct engagement with voters and voiced concerns about AI's potential to spread misinformation.
“Congressman Beyer encourages all citizens to research issues for themselves and has faith in Northern Virginians’ ability to distinguish between fact and fiction,” the statement read.
Beyer had never agreed to more debates. This forum did include a moderator who recently joined Hensel’s campaign, which Hensel explained prior to the debate.
At the end of what is believed to be the first AI Bot debate in electoral history, challenger David Kennedy summed it up succinctly.
“Don Bot—shaky performance at times, but I appreciated your last comment. I think we are on the same page on how to make a compassionate society.”
As the election approaches, Congressman Beyer’s office continues to stress the importance of informed voting. Voters in Virginia's 8th district are encouraged to research candidates thoroughly and engage with the issues at stake.
The unusual debate has opened new discussions about the role of technology in politics and the importance of maintaining clarity and truth in political discourse.