By Michael Kelman Portney

In a world where artificial intelligence is reshaping everything from art to economics, it’s no stretch to imagine how it could revolutionize politics. The question isn’t whether AI will be used to influence elections—it already is. The real question is who will wield it better.

If billionaires like Elon Musk were to hypothetically leverage AI to ensure a Trump victory, the Democrats face a stark choice: adapt or lose. The future of democracy may depend on their willingness to embrace these advanced tactics, however ethically murky they may feel. In this post, I’ll outline a hypothetical AI-driven campaign plan that could win elections, for better or worse—and why Democrats must seriously consider adopting it.

The Hypothetical Prompt That Changes Everything

Imagine this: Elon Musk sits down with a state-of-the-art AI and types in a single query:

“Design a comprehensive strategy to ensure Donald Trump wins the 2024 presidential election, leveraging social media, targeted advertising, and real-time data analysis to maximize voter turnout and influence public opinion. Include methods to minimize opposition engagement and neutralize negative narratives.”

The AI, with its unparalleled ability to analyze data and predict human behavior, churns out a detailed, multi-pronged plan to dominate the election. It’s effective, ruthless, and dangerously plausible.

Step 1: Data Mining and Microtargeting

The cornerstone of any AI-driven campaign is data. An AI would suggest starting with:

1. Analyzing Public Sentiment:

• Scraping social media, forums, and even private chat platforms to gauge the emotional pulse of voters in key swing states.

• Identifying undecided voters and their deepest concerns—be it the economy, crime, or cultural identity.

2. Creating Personalized Messaging:

• Using AI-generated microtargeting ads to speak directly to these concerns.

• Delivering hyper-specific messages based on geography, demographics, and even browsing history.

For Democrats, this means abandoning generic messaging and instead embracing precision. They’d need to create content tailored not just to broad demographics but to the individual voter’s fears, hopes, and values.

Step 2: Social Media Domination

Social media platforms are the modern battleground. The AI plan would likely include:

1. Deploying Bots and Fake Accounts:

• Flooding platforms like Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook with pro-Trump narratives.

• Engaging directly with users to create the illusion of widespread grassroots support.

2. Algorithm Manipulation:

• Exploiting platform algorithms to amplify divisive and emotional content.

• Spreading misinformation that energizes Trump supporters while discouraging opposition voters.

For Democrats, this means countering the right’s dominance by building their own network of bots, influencers, and algorithmic strategies. They’d need to use AI to push narratives that motivate their base while undermining Republican cohesion.

Step 3: Voter Suppression Through AI

Perhaps the most ethically questionable tactic, voter suppression, would still find its way into an AI’s recommendation:

1. Targeting Opponent Audiences:

• Flooding likely Democratic voters with misinformation about polling locations, voting requirements, and deadlines.

• Overloading key demographics with conflicting information to sow confusion.

2. Discrediting Opposition Candidates:

• Using AI to generate deepfake videos or audio clips that undermine the credibility of Democratic leaders.

Democrats would need to fight fire with fire here—leveraging AI to identify misinformation early and deploy counter-narratives quickly. They’d also need to explore legal and technological tools to neutralize voter suppression tactics in real time.

Step 4: Mobilizing Supporters with AI

While suppressing opposition is one side of the coin, energizing supporters is the other. An AI would suggest tactics like:

1. Gamifying Voting:

• Developing AI-powered apps to engage voters, reminding them to vote, and rewarding them for bringing friends to the polls.

• Using social proof to create a sense of urgency and community around voting.

2. Real-Time Engagement:

• Monitoring live sentiment during debates or major events and using AI to craft instant responses that keep supporters motivated.

For Democrats, this means investing in AI tools that mobilize their base not just in the months leading up to the election but in the critical final hours.

Step 5: Controlling the Narrative

An AI-driven campaign would dominate the media by sheer force of content. The plan might include:

1. AI-Generated Media:

• Creating articles, videos, and memes that flood both traditional and social media.

• Drowning out negative coverage with a constant stream of pro-Trump content.

2. Influencer Partnerships:

• Identifying key influencers who can amplify campaign messaging organically.

• Using AI to feed influencers tailored talking points that align with their audiences.

For Democrats, this means embracing AI-generated media to counter Republican narratives and reach voters in every corner of the internet.

The Ethical Dilemma

The AI election strategy is undeniably effective—but it’s also deeply troubling. By leaning into these tactics, Democrats risk further eroding trust in the democratic process. Yet, the alternative—refusing to adapt and losing elections—might be worse.

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: if Democrats don’t adopt these tactics, someone else will. The only way to level the playing field is to meet technology head-on while advocating for stricter regulations on its use in future campaigns.

Conclusion: Embracing AI for Good

In the end, the battle for the soul of democracy may come down to who wields AI better. Democrats have a chance to use these tools not just to win elections but to rebuild trust and engagement in the political process. They’ll need to move fast, act boldly, and stay one step ahead of those who would use AI to undermine the very foundations of democracy.

Because in the world of algorithmic politics, there’s no such thing as sitting on the sidelines.