Democrats and Republicans are engaged in a race to harness the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in American elections. Democrats, still reeling from social media manipulation in the 2016 election, are cautiously embracing AI to find and mobilize voters and combat deceptive content. The recent advancements in generative AI, which can create text, images, voices, and videos at unprecedented speed, have raised concerns about the spread of misinformation and its impact on democracy. The Biden administration has taken steps to regulate AI through executive actions, but many experts believe that congressional legislation is necessary to safeguard against AI abuses.
Both parties have used AI for data analysis in campaigns for years, with Republicans experimenting with generative AI techniques. The Trump campaign has utilized proprietary algorithmic tools to manage emails efficiently and prevent the spread of false information. The Republican National Committee, led by figures like Brad Parscale, has also used generative AI to create dystopian ads portraying fears of a second Biden term. While the GOP has made significant strides in leveraging social media, Democrats are working to catch up and innovate in their use of AI technologies for campaign strategies.
The Biden campaign, along with Democratic candidates and progressives, are cautiously exploring the use of AI to analyze voter data, draft email copy, and generate content for volunteers. They are working to strike a balance between maximizing the capabilities of AI and adhering to ethical standards. The campaign’s legal team has established protocols to prevent the use of AI for spreading disinformation or manipulating images and videos. The party is also collaborating with progressive groups and organizations to leverage AI for outreach, fundraising, and data analysis.
Progressive groups have been at the forefront of experimenting with AI technologies, with initiatives like the Progressive AI Lab aiming to streamline innovation and organize research in the political tech space. These groups have funded projects, hosted forums, and conducted training sessions to explore the potential of AI in campaign strategy. Democratic candidates like Rep. Adam Schiff have been transparent about their use of AI tools for drafting fundraising emails and generating content. However, concerns about the ethical use of AI persist, especially in a political landscape where misinformation and deception are prevalent.
Despite the potential benefits of AI for campaign efficiency and outreach, the use of generative AI tools remains a contentious issue in political campaigns. Both Democrats and Republicans are grappling with the challenge of discussing AI in a way that balances its advantages with the risks of misuse. Campaigns are wary of the negative implications of AI-generated content, such as deepfakes and false information, and are working to establish safeguards and regulations around the technology. As the 2024 election cycle approaches, the influence of AI on political campaigns is expected to increase, prompting further scrutiny and debate on its ethical and legal implications for democracy.
