Conservative businessman and broadcaster John Reid is making waves in the 2025 lieutenant governor’s race by employing artificial intelligence in a unique way. To represent his Democratic opponent, Ghazala Hashmi, he organized a mock debate where the AI mimics her likeness and voice. Reid, who hails from Richmond, sees this as an opportunity to call attention to Hashmi’s unwillingness to engage in real debates. His challenge to her comes against the backdrop of her being the only candidate in a six-person race to decline those debates.
This use of AI has raised eyebrows and ignited controversy, with Hashmi’s campaign labeling the video a “deepfake” and branding Reid’s approach as a “desperate move straight out of Donald Trump’s playbook.” The term “deepfake” typically refers to synthetic media where a person’s likeness is manipulated to produce false statements or actions. However, in this case, Reid’s team has made clear that the AI’s responses are crafted from Hashmi’s past quotes and documented policy positions, showcasing a different angle on the technology.
In a time when artificial intelligence is becoming more prevalent in various sectors, Reid’s mock debate approaches the topic with a sharp focus on political messaging. Unlike other viral AI videos that distort reality into humorous or exaggerated caricatures, Reid’s rendition allows “AI Ghazala” to articulate her stance on significant issues such as education and reproductive rights, even as Reid critiques her for perceived inaction. Reid reinforces his stance by noting, “If she’s not willing to engage in her own campaign for lt gov, I don’t know why anybody thinks she would be able to fight for anything.”
Hashmi’s AI counterpart opens with a promising statement, claiming her commitment to the issues Virginians care about. She mentions, “I have a track record regarding 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.” This presents a dilemma for her campaign, as the virtual format allows her to assert her qualifications while simultaneously avoiding direct confrontation with Reid.
Reid takes the opportunity to directly criticize Hashmi’s record, stating that her policies contributed to problems in Virginia, including school closures and controversial proposals regarding sports and criminal justice. He cites these as clear indicators of her governance style, claiming, “Everything that we would identify as a problem in the state of Virginia, Ghazala Hashmi has pushed.” This assertion seeks to paint her as out of touch with the needs of Virginians.
With the lieutenant governorship at stake, Reid emphasizes that the role entails more than merely presiding over the state senate. He believes qualities like understanding businesses’ needs and addressing public concerns are vital. The discourse around the AI debate highlights the escalating intersection of technology and politics, suggesting that innovative strategies may redefine engagement in future elections. Reid’s use of AI, whether seen as a gimmick or a savvy move, aims to sharpen the focus on the candidates’ platforms and their ability to connect with the electorate.
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