Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

RandySF

(78,653 posts)
Wed Oct 22, 2025, 11:40 PM 13 hrs ago

VA-LG: Virginia Republican Debates Opponent In 1 Totally Weird Way: 'I Had To Force The Issue'

The GOP candidate for Virginia lieutenant governor is defending his debate against an artificial intelligence version of his Democratic opponent, calling it the “best-possible alternative” to the real thing.

Conservative radio host John Reid (R) on Tuesday shared a video of his not-so-authentic debate with Virginia state Sen. Ghazala Hashmi (D) where a seemingly AI-generated image of a moderator asks questions to Reid and the AI version of the Democrat, who appears on a display atop a lectern across from him in real life.

The bot takes from Hashmi’s “publicized policy positions, as mined from a variety of available sources, with AI used to replicate” her voice after the Democrat “refused” to debate him, the video notes.

The 40-minute, staged face-off sees Reid and the bot covering topics such as immigration, transgender rights, abortion, the economy and gun violence.



https://www.huffpost.com/entry/virginia-john-reid-ghazala-hashmi-ai-debate_n_68f978f9e4b0f9da0b2cbd14

1 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
VA-LG: Virginia Republican Debates Opponent In 1 Totally Weird Way: 'I Had To Force The Issue' (Original Post) RandySF 13 hrs ago OP
Remember Clint Eastwood debating/questioning an empty chair. Norrrm 13 hrs ago #1
Latest Discussions»Region Forums»Virginia»VA-LG: Virginia Republica...