Jason Palmer,\u00a0a self-proclaimed \u2018long-shot candidate\u2019\u00a0vying for the presidency,\u00a0uses AI generated texts, emails and an avatar to communicate with voters<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The little-known presidential candidate who beat President Biden<\/a> in American Samoa\u2019s Democratic caucus earlier this week says artificial intelligence played a big role in his campaign strategy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Jason Palmer, an impact investor and venture capitalist who entered the race in November, has leveraged generative AI to communicate with voters via SMS text and email, and answer specific questions about his background and policy. Additionally, Palmer\u2019s campaign website has an avatar, PalmerAI, that answers questions with the candidate\u2019s voice and likeness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Palmer himself never set foot on the tiny territory of islands in the South Pacific during the campaign, conducting his entire bid\u00a0virtually. He credits his 11-vote victory to an exceptional local team and its grassroots effort, but also said his use of AI made a meaningful difference.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI believe I won in part because I\u2019m very adept at technology,\u201d he said. \u201cI do think the people feel like I\u2019ve been there because I did these virtual meetings, and I engaged with them using AI.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Palmer has spent his career as a technology entrepreneur, impact investor and board member, serving most recently as a general partner at venture-capital firm New Markets Venture Partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Text and email outreach to voters is nothing new for candidates, but in Palmer\u2019s case, the AI can generate specific responses to voter questions and engage with them on a personal level without much human assistance\u2014a huge benefit for a lean campaign with only five full-time staffers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Palmer spent less than $5,000 on the American Samoa campaign. \u201cIf I had millions of dollars to market to Colorado or Vermont, who knows I might have been more competitive in those states,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n All told, his campaign has raised $50,000, with a goal to raise $100,000 by the end of March, and he has contributed $500,000 of his own funds.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Generative AI has emerged as a hot issue during the current election cycle, although not necessarily<\/a> as a tool for educating voters and outreach. <\/p>\n\n\n\n