AI at the Forefront of U.S. Presidential Campaign

Thomas Ross, the U.S. Transhumanist Party nominee, is embracing artificial intelligence, particularly through his AI chatbot, Emvee, to spearhead his presidential campaign strategies. But how impactful is AI in Presidential Campaign

Innovative Use of AI in Politics

Ross, who secured the nomination in May 2023, has integrated AI deeply into his campaign operations, leveraging advice and strategies developed by his AI, named after a character from his science fiction novels. This novel approach includes addressing and potentially debunking conspiracy theories around AI and transhumanism, aiming to generate public discourse and clarify misconceptions.

AI’s Role Beyond Ross’s Campaign

Ross is not alone in harnessing AI for political engagement. Ohio Democratic congressional candidate Matthew Diemer has collaborated with Civox to create an AI version of himself, aiming to enhance voter interaction. Diemer equates the use of AI in his campaign to conventional communication methods like blogs and social media, underscoring the evolving landscape of digital campaign tools.

The Singularity and Political Messaging

Ross’s campaign is painted with visions of a future where AI and humanity coexist harmoniously, often referred to as the singularity. This thematic choice not only distinguishes his campaign but also aligns closely with transhumanist goals—pushing the envelope on discussions about the role of technology in human evolution and governance.

Broader Implications and Goals

Despite acknowledging his slim chances of election success, Ross emphasizes that his campaign’s primary goal is to promote transhumanism and dispel fears associated with AI. His longstanding advocacy highlights AI’s potential in addressing significant issues like human trafficking.

Regulatory and Ethical Considerations

Ross proposes innovative uses of technology for governance reforms, such as “Dark Audits” by AI systems to enhance transparency and accountability in federal operations, suggesting a shift away from traditional methods like IRS audits. This idea points to broader applications of AI in monitoring and reducing government corruption.

Challenging Political Norms

Ross criticizes the current two-party system in the U.S., likening it to a malfunctioning computer that needs rebooting. His campaign slogans, “Augmenting Politics with Reality” and “Defrag America,” metaphorically call for a comprehensive overhaul of the political system to eliminate division and inefficiency.

A Tech-Driven Political Philosophy

Thomas Ross’s campaign, though unconventional, brings to the forefront discussions about the integration of advanced technologies like AI and blockchain in public administration and governance. Whether these ideas will resonate with the broader electorate remains to be seen, but they undoubtedly mark a significant departure from traditional political campaigning.