Virginia Lt. Gov. candidate enlists AI to represent Dem opponent after she rejected debate offers
In a unique twist on political campaigning, conservative businessman and broadcaster John Reid has utilized artificial intelligence to simulate a mock debate with Democratic challenger Ghazala Hashmi for the 2025 lieutenant governor’s race in Virginia. Reid, the Republican nominee, has been vocal about Hashmi’s refusal to participate in actual debates, stating she is the only candidate among six running for statewide office to decline such opportunities. To create the AI representation, Reid’s team ensured that the likeness and voice of Hashmi, as well as the moderator, were accurately depicted, with the AI-generated responses based on Hashmi’s previous public statements and policy positions. This innovative approach aims to engage voters and highlight the issues at stake in the upcoming election.
Hashmi’s campaign has criticized the AI debate, labeling it a “deepfake” and accusing Reid of resorting to “desperate” tactics reminiscent of Donald Trump’s style. A spokesperson for Hashmi emphasized that while the AI representation addressed key issues such as public education and reproductive rights, it ultimately reflects Reid’s focus on gimmicks rather than substantive governance. The AI-generated Hashmi asserted her qualifications, stating her commitment to fighting for Virginians on critical issues like education, healthcare, and housing. In contrast, Reid seized the opportunity to question Hashmi’s absence from real debates, arguing that if she is unwilling to engage directly with voters, she would be ill-equipped to advocate for their needs as lieutenant governor. Reid’s criticisms included claims that Hashmi supported prolonged school closures during the pandemic and pushed for policies that he argues would harm Virginia’s economy and public safety.
This mock debate is indicative of a broader trend in political campaigning, where technology, particularly AI, is increasingly leveraged to shape narratives and engage constituents. It stands apart from other recent examples of AI-generated content, which have often leaned towards satire or caricature. As the election approaches, the implications of such strategies raise questions about authenticity, voter engagement, and the evolving landscape of political discourse. Reid’s use of AI in this context not only showcases the potential of technology in modern campaigns but also underscores the challenges candidates face in connecting with voters amidst an increasingly polarized political environment.
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Conservative businessman and broadcaster John Reid enlisted the help of
artificial intelligence
to represent Democratic challenger Ghazala Hashmi in a mock debate for the 2025 lieutenant governor’s race.
Reid, the Republican nominee from Richmond, challenged Hashmi, a state senator from Chesterfield, to a series of
regional debates
around Virginia. Reid noted Hashmi is the only candidate of the six running for statewide office to decline a debate.
A representative for Reid ensured that the AI only envisaged Hashmi’s likeness and voice — and that of the moderator – and the responses given by the representation of Hashmi were based on her prior quotes or publicized policy positions.
Hashmi’s campaign called the video a “deepfake” and told The Washington Post it was a “desperate move straight out of Donald Trump’s playbook.”
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“While we appreciate that ‘AI Ghazala’ did share her vision, like her
commitment to public education and reproductive rights,
it’s pretty clear Reid only cares about shoddy gimmicks and not governing,” the campaign added.
The AI debate differed from other recent artificially created videos, where the words and representations of lawmakers were made to be cartoonish in some cases.
President Donald Trump shared a
viral AI video
earlier this month showing House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., wearing a sombrero as “La Cucaracha” played in the background and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., referred to his party as “woke pieces of s—.”
Schumer never said that in real life.
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For her opening statement in the debate, the “AI Hashmi” said she is running because Virginians need “someone who has the experience, knowledge and ability to fight for Virginians.”
“I have a track record with regard to the
issues Virginians care about
— education, health care, housing and opportunity. I am ready to make policy that will make Virginia an example for other states.”
In response, Reid — in real life — noted that Hashmi would not appear for a real debate.
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“If she’s not willing to engage in her own campaign for lieutenant governor, I don’t know why anybody thinks she would be able to fight for anything,” he said.
Reid said Hashmi supported keeping
Virginia schools closed an extra year
after the coronavirus pandemic and has “push[ed] for boys in girl sports… higher taxes [and] releasing criminals early.”
“Everything that we would ID as a problem in the state of Virginia, Ghazala Hashmi has pushed,” he said.
In this regard, Reid said his work in communications in Congress, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and
radio help him understand what businesses need
from state government if they choose to operate in Virginia.
The lieutenant governorship is “not just gaveling in the Senate,” Reid said. “[It is] working for the state of Virginia.”
Eric
Eric is a seasoned journalist covering US Politics news.
