"This is the only time this debate occurred. There were no rehearsals, no second takes, and no advance prep beyond my own notes, said Reid. I was shown the final structure and format just minutes before we taped. Every answer from Senator Hashmi is taken directly from her own words, cited and publicly available through her website and interviews. Virginians deserve to see a side-by-side contrast, and since my opponent won't show up, I had to force the issue myself."
"Following an introduction from a moderator, the candidates then delivered their own introductory remarks. Reid was seen standing at a podium speaking. When it was time for the AI Hashmi to speak, the video switched to a static image of the senator as the digital voice began speaking. From there, the debate followed a familiar format, with the moderator introducing topics and the candidates expressing their respective views. This went on for over 40 minutes."
John Reid, the Republican candidate for Virginia lieutenant governor, posted a video titled The 2025 Virginia Lieutenant Governor Debate on his campaign YouTube channel. The video used AI to replicate Sen. Ghazala Hashmi’s voice and presented her publicized policy positions alongside Reid’s responses. The video began with text stating Hashmi had declined multiple debate offers and described the AI format as a substitute. A moderator introduced topics while Reid spoke on camera and a static image accompanied the AI-generated Hashmi voice. Reid said answers attributed to Hashmi were taken from her public statements and that the recorded exchange lasted over 40 minutes.
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