Trump Claims Lincoln Project Ad Uses AI
A new advertisement released by the Lincoln Project has been falsely accused by Donald Trump of utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to make him look bad. However, there is no evidence to support this claim, as the ad only features authentic footage of Trump himself. Trump took to his social network, Truth Social, to rail against the Lincoln Project, calling them “perverts and losers,” and alleging that they are using AI in their commercials. In reality, the ad showcases well-known gaffes and lowlights from Trump’s presidency and 2024 campaign.
No Evidence of AI Usage
Despite Trump’s accusations, there is no factual basis to support his claims that the Lincoln Project employed AI in their ad. The footage used in the ad is readily available online through platforms like YouTube and X (formerly known as Twitter). These clips feature memorable moments from Trump’s presidency and campaign, including the infamous eclipse-staring incident and various instances where he garnered negative reactions from the public.
Trump’s Complaint
In his complaint, Trump specifically targeted Fox News, suggesting that they should not run ads from the Lincoln Project. While it is unclear where Trump saw the TV commercial, the ad in question can be accessed online through different platforms. By directing his criticism towards Fox News, Trump indirectly revealed his familiarity with the ad’s content. However, the ad is not exclusive to television and is widely available for viewing online.
Spokesperson’s Response
When asked for comment, a spokesperson for the Lincoln Project referred to a tweet from the group’s co-founder, Rick Wilson. Wilson’s tweet addressed Trump’s false assertion about the ad’s usage of AI and mockingly stated that the group didn’t need AI to portray Trump in a negative light. The spokesperson emphasized that the ad reflects reality and challenged Trump to face it.
Breakdown of Trump Gaffes
The ad features several notable gaffes from Trump’s political career, including instances where he struggled with words and made false claims. It is important to note that none of these mistakes were created using AI. The sources of these gaffes, along with relevant dates and locations, are as follows:
- Trump struggling with the word “anonymous” – September 6, 2018 in Billings, Montana (YouTube/IBTimes)
- Trump falsely claiming victory in an election against Obama – September 15, 2023 in Washington, D.C. (YouTube/MSNBC)
- Trump misnaming the town of Paradise, California as “Pleasure” during a visit after wildfires – November 18, 2018 (YouTube/The Guardian)
Narration Implying Trump’s Decline
In addition to showcasing Trump’s gaffes, the ad’s narration implies that Joe Biden is a stronger and more capable man than Trump. The narration even includes stock footage of someone pouring out two blue pills, insinuating that Trump relies on Viagra. The ad questions Trump’s fitness and suggests that he is deteriorating before our eyes.
AI Usage by Trump and the RNC
Ironically, it was Trump himself who used AI in a post on Truth Social back in March. The post featured a fake image of Trump kneeling down to pray. Furthermore, the Republican National Committee (RNC) has also employed AI to create attack ads depicting a hypothetical second term for Biden. However, unlike Trump’s baseless claim, the RNC includes a small disclaimer acknowledging the use of AI-generated images.
Implications and Future Outlook
Experts have warned that the 2024 presidential election will witness an unprecedented surge in manipulated media shared on various social media platforms. The misinformation landscape is expected to worsen, with platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and X becoming breeding grounds for manipulated content. Trump’s false assertion that AI was used in the Lincoln Project’s ad, despite no evidence supporting it, is an early sign of this disturbing trend.
Trump’s Political Standing
Surprisingly, Trump is currently leading Biden in multiple national polls, indicating a continued following despite his increasingly extremist positions. Trump’s involvement in the January 6, 2021 attempt to halt the certification of the 2020 election and his multiple indictments have not deterred his supporters. Moreover, reports suggest that Trump plans to reshape the civil service by replacing federal agency leadership with individuals who align with his far-right interpretation of the U.S. Constitution. These factors contribute to Trump’s polling advantage over Biden, demonstrating that it is not an artificial representation.
Conclusion
Love him or hate him, Trump’s claim that the Lincoln Project ad used AI is unfounded. The ad draws attention to Trump’s gaffes and lowlights without the need for AI manipulation. As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the spread of manipulated media is expected to increase, posing new challenges in discerning fact from fiction.
Read More of this Story at www.forbes.com – 2023-12-05 04:56:46
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