United States congressional candidate for Virginia Bentley Hensel used an AI chatbot, “DonBot,” in place of opponent Don Beyer in a debate, highlighting AI’s increasing role in politics.
Artificial intelligence can’t hide from politics, or rather, politics can’t hide from AI.
In an unusual political move, Bentley Hensel, an independent candidate running for the United States Congress in Virginia’s 8th District, used an AI-powered bot to participate in a debate after incumbent Representative Don Beyer declined an invitation.
On Oct. 17, a debate was held between Hensel, another independent candidate, David Kennedy, and a virtual stand-in, “DonBot,” leading up to the November elections.
