AI chatbot stands in for Congressman during Virginia debate [Video]

ARLINGTON, Va. — In a bizarre twist for election debates, on Thursday the 8th District of Virginia witnessed an unprecedented event: an Artificial Intelligence engaged in a debate with challengers.

Dubbed the “Don Bot,” the AI represented Congressman Don Beyer during a debate.

It was the brainchild of one of Beyer’s independent challengers, Bentley Hensel. Hensel came up with the idea to find more ways to debate the long-serving incumbent.

The debate ran through a Zoom link and broadcast over the YouTube live channel for the True Representation Movement. The event was co-hosted by the Black Alumni Alliance.  

WUSA9 sat in to see just how the AI would perform, and fact check it with Congressman Beyer’s campaign and congressional websites.

At the opening statements, Independents Hensel and David Kennedy gave their two-minute introductions. Then it …