Candidate Uses AI Video to Attack Political Opponent
In a move signaling a new frontier in political campaigning, a congressional race in New York's 21st district has been jolted by a controversial, AI-generated video. Democratic candidate Blake Gendebien has taken aim at his opponent, Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, using a social media ad that has plunged deep into the uncanny valley.
An Uncanny Attack Ad Enters the Race
The 45-second video, produced for less than $1,000 using various AI programs, portrays a bizarre version of Stefanik. The ad features clips of her dancing in the House chamber, making a shushing gesture in front of a governor's mansion, and drinking from a water bottle labeled "Lawler's Tears"—a taunt directed at Rep. Mike Lawler, another Republican reportedly considering a 2026 gubernatorial run.
An AI-generated voice, meant to be Stefanik's, sings a jazzy tune with lyrics like, "I'm considering, considering, considering... am I running for governor? I just won't say... Why rush the reveal when I can savor the flavor, the flavor!" The video's disclaimer, which states it was generated by AI, appears only briefly in small print at the very end.
Candidate Defends 'Lighthearted' Video
Blake Gendebien, the candidate behind the ad, defended his campaign's tactics. He framed the video as a way to highlight a serious issue: Stefanik's potential distraction with a gubernatorial bid.
"If I had an employee come to work every single day and saying I'm considering another job, I'm considering another job, I'm considering another job, that person wouldn't work for me very long," Gendebien said. "And so, what we're doing is saying, 'hey, I think it's time, instead of saying you're considering another job, that you actually take the other job.'"
He claimed his intention was not malicious, stating, "in no way was it my intention to do anything other than have a lighthearted video to draw attention to something very serious in our district."
Stefanik Campaign Fires Back with Accusations of Sexism
The response from Rep. Stefanik's camp was swift and severe. Alex deGrasse, a senior advisor to Stefanik, issued a scathing statement condemning the ad.
"The desperate Far Left Democrat... now makes history by using sexist, deceitful, and shameful AI imagery smearing Congresswoman Stefanik in a digital ad," deGrasse stated. "Voters know this is a disgrace and Blake Gendebien is about to find out how much North Country voters are ashamed of him and his overpriced DC campaign hack that launched this sexist smear." Gendebien retorted, calling the criticism "extremely rich, coming from Alex deGrasse, who is the ultimate bully for the last 10 years."
Political Expert Questions Ethical Boundaries
The novel use of AI in a political attack ad has raised eyebrows among political analysts. Luke Perry, a political science professor at Utica University, commented on the uniqueness and the potential pitfalls of the strategy.
"I've never quite seen a video like this," Perry said, noting that it "raises a bunch of ethical questions." He acknowledged the need for an underdog candidate to be creative and bold but concluded, "I don't think this is the best way to do it."
Past Comments and a Tense Interview
The AI ad controversy has also resurfaced past issues for Gendebien. Stefanik's campaign has attacked him for comments made in a 2013 interview where he suggested corrections officers "don’t have much self-worth in their jobs" and described difficulties staffing his farm with local people who did not have "domestic abuse problems, alcohol problems."
When asked about these decade-old remarks in a recent interview, Gendebien said he used the "incorrect word" regarding correctional officers and that his comments about local workers were about isolated "personal experiences." The interview became tense when a campaign consultant, Aziz Yakub, interrupted to scold the reporter for asking about topics not pre-approved. Despite the interruption, Gendebien insisted on continuing, stating, "I'm an open book," and proceeded to answer all questions.
