Harnessing AI for Democratic Campaigns: A Roadmap for 2024
The 2024 election cycle marked a groundbreaking moment as political campaigns began to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) for the first time in significant ways. While candidates navigated this new landscape cautiously, the potential for AI to enhance campaign strategies became evident. Understanding this potential, the National Democratic Training Committee (NDTC) has launched a pioneering playbook aimed at guiding Democratic campaigns in the responsible use of AI, particularly as the midterm elections approach.
AI Training: Empowering Smaller Campaigns
The NDTC’s new online training serves as a comprehensive resource for Democratic candidates looking to leverage AI technology effectively. Since its inception in 2016, the NDTC has trained over 120,000 aspiring Democratic politicians, providing them with essential skills ranging from ballot registration to data management. The focus of the latest course is clear: it aims to empower smaller, resource-conscious campaigns—often comprised of just a handful of individuals—to operate with the efficiency of larger teams.
“AI and responsible AI adoption is a competitive necessity. It’s not a luxury,” emphasizes Donald Riddle, senior instructional designer at the NDTC. This training initiative seeks to arm candidates with the ability to harness AI in preparing various types of content, from social media posts to phone-banking scripts. The emphasis is on creating materials that are crafted initially by AI but subjected to human review before dissemination.
The training goes beyond just explaining how AI works; it dives into practical applications for campaigns. For instance, it encourages candidates to explore the use of AI to formulate messaging for emails, speeches, and internal training documents. However, it also explicitly outlines ethical considerations, warning against utilizing AI for deceptive practices such as deepfaking opponents or creating misleading visuals. This layer of caution is critical, as the integrity of democratic discourse rests on honest communication.
Ensuring Transparency and Integrity
A central tenet of the NDTC’s training is the importance of transparency in using AI. Candidates are advised to openly disclose when AI is used in their content, especially when it involves AI-generated voices or when it shapes complex policy positions. The rationale behind these disclosures is clear: as Hany Farid, a generative AI expert and UC Berkeley professor, notes, true trust in the creation process stems from clarity around what is real and what is not.
Integrating AI into video content also receives attention in the training. Tools such as Descript and Opus Clip are highlighted as valuable assets for streamlining content editing, enabling campaigns to excise lengthy pauses or awkward transitions seamlessly. This ensures that the final product resonates effectively with audiences, maintaining both engagement and professionalism.
The NDTC’s course emphasizes not just the potential of AI, but also the ethical framework that must underpin its use. Candidates are encouraged to keep human creativity at the forefront—focusing on collaboration with artists and designers rather than replacing them with AI tools. “Maintaining creative integrity” is pivotal in ensuring that the campaign remains relatable and authentic to voters.
As the 2024 elections loom, the integration of AI into political campaigning promises to reshape the landscape, offering new levels of efficiency and outreach. However, with that promise comes the responsibility to use technology ethically and transparently, ensuring a sustained democracy rooted in trust and authenticity.