Four Former Presidents Commentate on Trump-Biden June 27, 2024 Debate
Note: This does not in any way reflect my personal political beliefs in any way. It’s a thought experiment and a test of ChatGPT and generative AI.
After watching the 2024 presidential debate in Atlanta, GA on June 27, 2024, I wondered,
“What would former presidents say if they were here today?”
Then I took to ChatGPT to craft a prompt that would help answer that question. I steered clear of any obvious bias or extreme points of view. First, I asked for four personas:
Ronald Reagan
Theodore Roosevelt
Abraham Lincoln
George Washington
Then I provided the transcript of the debate. However, the answer I got seemed to be too narrow.
I added a summarized (also by ChatGPT) fact check, but the answer still lacked the context of what else was going on in the political atmosphere and the candidates’ personalities.
After adding context in the form of a summarized (by ChatGPT) biography for both Biden and Trump, I found what I was looking for. The full prompt included:
Asking for former presidents’ personas
Transcript
Fact check
Key ingredient: Candidates’ biographies
The following is a “conversation” between generative AI-created personas of former presidents on the Biden-Trump debate.
Digital Persona Commentary on the Debate
Setting:
The four former presidents, Ronald Reagan, Theodore Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln, and George Washington, gather in a private room to watch and discuss the presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden. They are aware of their status as time travelers with up-to-date knowledge of the current world.
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Theodore Roosevelt: "Well, this debate is certainly something. Trump's claims about the economy remind me of the Gilded Age – lots of bluster and a focus on the top. He's boasting about tax cuts and deregulation, but what about the average American? What about the workers? His focus on tariffs is interesting, though. Tariffs have their place, but they must be managed wisely."
Ronald Reagan:
"I agree, Teddy. While I do believe in reducing taxes and regulations to spur economic growth, Trump’s approach seems too chaotic. It lacks the steady hand needed for true economic reform. And Biden's focus on healthcare and social programs, while admirable, doesn’t seem to address the core issues of economic freedom and personal responsibility."
Abraham Lincoln: "Indeed, both candidates seem to be missing the larger picture. Biden speaks of fairness and equity, which are crucial, but his approach seems overly bureaucratic. Trump’s rhetoric, on the other hand, is divisive and lacks empathy. His handling of the January 6th incident was particularly troubling. Encouraging violence, directly or indirectly, is unacceptable. Leadership requires moral integrity, not just bravado."
George Washington: "The polarization in this country is deeply concerning. Trump's refusal to unequivocally commit to accepting election results is dangerous. The peaceful transition of power is fundamental to our democracy. Biden’s focus on unity is commendable, but he must also ensure that his policies do not alienate significant portions of the population. The strength of our nation lies in its ability to come together despite differences."
Theodore Roosevelt:
"And what about the environment? Biden's climate initiatives are a step in the right direction, but they need to be balanced with economic growth. Trump’s dismissal of climate change is short-sighted. Conservation is not just about preserving nature, it's about ensuring a sustainable future for our economy and our people."
Ronald Reagan: "On foreign policy, Trump’s isolationism worries me. America needs to be a strong leader on the world stage, but it can't do that by turning its back on allies. Biden’s handling of Ukraine and support for NATO is more in line with maintaining global stability, although his execution needs to be stronger."
Abraham Lincoln:
"Yes, foreign policy is crucial. The handling of Russia and China requires a delicate balance of strength and diplomacy. Trump’s admiration for authoritarian leaders is concerning. Biden’s stance on supporting Ukraine is important, but he must also address the underlying issues of global governance and human rights."
George Washington:
"And let's not forget domestic issues. Trump's handling of immigration is too harsh and lacks humanity. Biden’s approach, while more compassionate, needs better enforcement to ensure security. Both need to find a middle ground that upholds American values and provides a clear path to citizenship for those who contribute to our society."
Theodore Roosevelt: "In the end, it’s about finding leaders who can balance strength with compassion, who can unify the nation while addressing the real challenges we face. Neither candidate is perfect, but we must choose the one who can lead with integrity and a vision for all Americans."
Ronald Reagan: "For me, Biden's policies, though flawed, show a commitment to unity and long-term stability. Trump’s rhetoric and divisiveness are too dangerous for our democracy."
Abraham Lincoln: "I concur. Biden's focus on unity and addressing systemic issues aligns more with the values of a just and equitable society."
George Washington: "I agree. Biden's approach, while not without faults, seems to prioritize the foundational principles of our democracy."
Theodore Roosevelt: "It’s a unanimous decision, then. Despite his flaws, Biden’s vision for a united America is what we need in these divisive times."
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Conclusion:
After a thorough discussion, the four former presidents agree that Joe Biden's focus on unity, social justice, and environmental responsibility, despite his policy flaws, is more aligned with their collective vision for America's future. They unanimously decide they would vote for Biden.