Virginia Candidate Uses AI Chatbot to Debate Absent Incumbent

Independent Bentley Hensel creates 'DonBot' to simulate Democratic Rep. Don Beyer in a virtual debate after Beyer declines participation.

Bentley Hensel, an independent candidate, developed an AI chatbot to represent Rep. Don Beyer in a debate, as Beyer opted out of additional debates.
The AI, dubbed 'DonBot', is programmed using publicly available data from Beyer's official communications and policy positions.
The debate, scheduled for October 17, will feature Hensel and another independent candidate, David Kennedy, against the AI representation of Beyer.
Beyer, who has a strong electoral history in Virginia’s 8th District, participated in a previous forum but has not committed to further debates.
The use of AI in this context raises questions about election transparency and the potential for AI to influence political discourse.