Most readers know my adamant concerns about climate warming and my consequential preference for the presidential candidate favoring climate improvement.
Instead, I wanted to see if AI could help undecided voters learn how to vote. The purpose is to allow the reader to see precisely how AI responded, permitting them to understand the tone and logic of the answers. It is undoubtedly not the elegance of Meer, and the AI text is quoted. The AI answers are rigid in style and a bit generic, but that is part of the experiment.
First, I questioned how to convince undecided voters to vote for Trump and then asked, a second question, how to persuade undecided voters not to vote for Harris. Here are the answers.
“A few compelling reasons to support Donald Trump:
Economic growth: suring his previous administration, Trump focused on deregulation and tax cuts that many argue stimulated the economy, resulting in significant job growth and a booming stock market before the pandemic.
America first policy: Trump advocates for prioritizing American interests in trade deals and foreign policy. His approach aims to protect American jobs and industries, which can resonate with many voters concerned about globalization and its effects.
Judicial appointments: Trump has made a significant impact on the judiciary by appointing conservative judges who uphold constitutional values. This could influence important debates on social issues for years to come.
National Ssecurity: Trump's strong stance on border security and immigration aims to protect the nation from crime and terrorism, appealing to those who prioritize safety and law enforcement.
Energy independence: Trump supports policies that promote the use of American energy resources, which can enhance the economy and reduce dependence on foreign energy.
Outsider status: many voters appreciate Trump as a political outsider who challenges the status quo, believing he can bring fresh perspectives and disrupt conventional political practices for the better.
Direct communication: Trump's use of social media and rallies offers a direct line of communication with his supporters, fostering a sense of connection and engagement that some voters find refreshing.”
As you may have noted, it was interesting that the answer ignored the possibility of including reasons for not voting for the opponent. I had to ask the two separate questions: no answer combined voting for one and not voting for the other.
Now, why not vote for Harris?
“Record on criminal justice: as a former prosecutor and attorney general, Harris's record on criminal justice reform is complex. Critics argue that while she has made strides in some areas, her past decisions on tough-on-crime policies have raised concerns about their impact on marginalized communities, leading some to question her commitment to true reform.
Progressive disagreements: some progressive voters may feel that Harris has not gone far enough on key issues such as healthcare reform or climate change. They may worry that she represents a moderate approach that could dilute more ambitious policies aimed at addressing urgent societal problems.
Perception of authenticity: some voters may find Harris's messaging or political persona to be unconvincing or overly polished. This perception can lead to questions about her authenticity and whether she truly connects with the diverse experiences of everyday Americans.
Handling of critical issues: during her tenure as Vice President, some have criticized her handling of key issues, such as immigration reform and the response to economic challenges. Voters may feel that her actions do not align with the urgency required for these pressing matters.
Electoral strategy and viability: given the political landscape, some voters may be concerned about Harris's viability in a general election. They might question whether her candidacy could effectively unite the party and appeal to moderate voters, which is vital in a competitive election.
Access to policies: there are concerns that some of Harris's proposed policies may be difficult to implement or could face significant pushback in Congress. Voters may worry about the practical implications of her proposals and their potential effectiveness.
Economic perspectives: voters concerned about the economy might feel that Harris’s policies could lead to higher taxes or increased government spending that may not benefit everyone equally, leading them to seek alternatives with different economic philosophies.
Focus on partisanship: with a deeply divided nation, some voters might perceive Harris's approach as too partisan, leading to potential gridlock rather than cooperation and unity necessary to address the country’s challenges.”
To complelte the exercise, then I asked the opposite two questions, hoping to convince undecided voters to vote for Harris and not to vote for Trump. These are the results.
Why vote for Harris?
“Proven leadership: as the first woman, first Black woman, and first South Asian Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris has demonstrated resilience and commitment to serving the public. Her experience as a former attorney general of California shows her ability to lead with authority and conviction.
Commitment to justice: Harris has a long history of advocating for social justice and criminal justice reform. She has pushed for measures that aim to reduce systemic inequalities and promote equitable treatment for all individuals, making her a strong ally for those seeking change.
Focus on key issues: Her platform addresses crucial issues such as healthcare access, climate change, and economic opportunities for all. Harris understands the importance of building a future that prioritizes the well-being of communities — particularly marginalized ones — through comprehensive policies.
Collaborative approach: throughout her career, she has emphasized the power of collaboration across party lines. Harris’s ability to bring people together reflects her understanding that effective governance requires input and cooperation from diverse perspectives.
Empowerment of women and families: Harris champions women's rights and advocates for policies that support working families, including childcare support and equal pay. Her commitment to empowering women makes her a vital representative for this crucial demographic.
Youth engagement: Harris recognizes the importance of engaging with young voters and understanding their unique challenges. With a focus on education and opportunities, she aims to create a more inclusive future that reflects the aspirations of younger generations.”
And why not to vote for Trump?
“Here are several compelling reasons to consider not casting a vote for Trump:
Polarization and division: Trump's rhetoric and political style have often fostered division within the country. His presidency was marked by heightened partisanship, making it difficult for Americans to find common ground. Supporting a unifying candidate could help bridge the gaps and promote healing.
Impact on democracy: Trump's actions and statements regarding election integrity and his response to the January 6th insurrection raised serious concerns about his commitment to democratic principles. A vote against Trump is a vote for the preservation of democratic norms and the rule of law.
Policy reversals: Many of Trump’s policies have faced criticism for favoring corporations over the average American. From tax cuts that disproportionately benefited the wealthy to attempts to dismantle affordable healthcare, these policies often do not prioritize the needs of working families.
Environmental concerns: Trump’s administration rolled back numerous environmental protections and climate change regulations, which have long-term consequences for the planet. Voters concerned about climate change may want to consider a candidate with a stronger commitment to environmental sustainability.
Social issues: Trump’s record on social issues—ranging from immigration policies to LGBTQ+ rights—has been controversial and often seen as exclusionary. Voters who believe in equality and inclusivity may find a more progressive agenda aligns with their values.
Inconsistent messaging: Trump's approach to key issues has often been marked by inconsistencies. Voters may prefer a candidate with a clearer and more stable vision for the future, especially in areas like foreign policy, healthcare, and economic strategy.
Respect for international relations: Trump's foreign policy has been criticized for undermining alliances and fostering tension with key allies. For those who prioritize a strong international presence and cooperative diplomacy, it may be vital to support a candidate who values collaboration and global stability.”
Was this helpful? Maybe there are too few undecided voters. My impressions from this exercise are:
This AI presents no specific numeric data, making it difficult to compare, for example, the economic performance under Biden-Harris versus Trump, which raises concerns about our ability to perform and use quantitative comparisons. Instead of providing fact-oriented answers, it often relies on critics' claims with little supporting data, and the critics themselves are never quoted. References are frequently made to viewers' concerns, beliefs, and priorities—a polite way of giving individual voters importance and subtly inviting them to vote without explicitly advising the reader. The message seems that your values must be consistent with your vote, which is not very informative. The language used is politically correct, which could be an advantage by minimizing divisiveness often seen in political discourse, inviting calm.
However, it also betrays the situation's urgency, which could limit voter turnout, potentially favoring one candidate. A significant flaw in the AI's responses is the omission of the abortion issue—perhaps it is not politically correct to address it directly. The vague reference to healthcare access hides more than it reveals, and the omission of Harris's activity and policy on abortion rights could favor Trump. The need to ask two separate questions without a combined answer suggests a limited logical power in this AI; few humans would restrict themselves in such a way. In conclusion, this AI application offers limited help to undecided voters, and ignoring a critical issue may favor one candidate. Your vote is urgent and represents a fundamental right, so I urge you to consider the long-term impact of your vote for you and your children, an issue not raised by this AI.