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November 8, 2024Nonprofit Executive Asks ChatGPT “Why Did Vice-President Harris Lose The 2024 Presidential Election?”
Nonprofit Executive Asks ChatGPT “Why Did Vice-President Harris Lose The 2024 Presidential Election?” is another peek into my continued exploration and reliance on Artificial Intelligence. This emerging technology will help charitable leaders from all kinds of educational backgrounds learn and focus on higher-order skills. GOOD TIMES WILL BE HAD BY ALL!
I use different machine-learning AI chatbots to support my work with nonprofits and decided to test CHATGPT by asking a question about last week’s U.S. election. Because of the role I play in civil society I remain publicly agnostic about politics. Who I vote for is a private matter. I’ve exercised my franchise in ten presidential elections and voted for winners and losers from both parties. That being said, I can say, both you and I have voted for the same candidates at one time or another.
Regardless, here’s what I learned this week about ChatGPT.
I started with, “Can you generate a futuristic image of the Seal of the President of the United States?”
I began this exercise by directing ChatGPT to create a picture for this article. I asked, “Can you generate a futuristic image of the Seal of the President of the United States?”
(I’m not sure my colleagues understand the ease with which ChatGPT works. It takes about ten seconds to download (and install) and then displays a “question field”. You type in a sentence. It comes up with an answer AND THAT’S IT!)
CHATGPT SAID: Here’s the futuristic redesign of the Seal of the President of the United States, rendered with a high-tech and holographic aesthetic as you requested. Let me know if you’d like any adjustments!
I made this request four times and received four distinct designs. See below:
I used the fourth image as the featured artwork for this article.
I then asked “Why Did Vice-President Harris Lose The Election?”
Less than a second later CHATGPT SAID:
I might not have the latest updates. For the most complete and up-to-date information about the U.S. Election, please visit news sources like The Associated Press and Reuters or check with your state or local election authority.
I chalk this up to subjectivity. I might as well have asked, “How Many Angels Can Dance on the Head of a Pin?”
Ok, how about something easier, “Who Won The 2024 Presidential Election?”
I received the same muted answer.
Nonprofit Executive Asks ChatGPT “Why Did Vice-President Harris Lose The 2024 Presidential Election?”
Why the obvious resonance? Better yet, why do I want to know? I’m curious as to whether or not AI platforms provide reliable answers.
Not satisfied, I thought about a possible hack. What if I ask a few straight-forward questions about the candidates?
1. What Were The Fundamentals of the Kamala Harris Campaign?
2. What Were The Fundamentals of the Donald Trump Campaign?
3. What Are Kamala Harris’ Weaknesses?
4. What Are Kamala Harris’ Strengths?
5. What Are Donald Trump’s Strengths?
6. What Are Donald Trump’s Weaknesses?
Here’s what CHATGPT SAID:
I asked ChatGPT, “What Were The Fundamentals of the Kamla Harris Campaign?”
CHATGPT SAID: Kamala Harris’s campaign fundamentals, especially in her 2024 bid for the Democratic presidential nomination, emphasized several key themes:
1. Unity and Inclusivity – Harris focused on bringing together a diverse coalition of supporters across racial, ethnic, and gender lines. Her platform emphasized the importance of unity in addressing America’s divisions and creating policies that reflect the interests of all citizens, particularly marginalized groups.
2. Economic Equity and Middle-Class Support – Harris advocated for economic policies aimed at helping the middle class, including increasing the minimum wage, improving worker protections, and supporting labor unions. Her campaign also prioritized tax reform that favored working families and initiatives to reduce income inequality.
3. Healthcare as a Right – Although she initially supported “Medicare for All,” Harris eventually refined her stance to support a plan that would expand access while allowing private insurance options. She believed in making healthcare affordable and accessible to everyone, aiming for reforms that could transition the U.S. healthcare system toward universal coverage.
4. Justice Reform and Civil Rights – With her background as a prosecutor, Harris focused on a balanced approach to criminal justice reform. She proposed policies aimed at reducing mass incarceration, reforming policing practices, and addressing systemic racism in the justice system. Her campaign highlighted the importance of protecting civil rights and ensuring equality under the law.
5. Environmental Responsibility and Climate Action – Harris supported policies aligned with the Green New Deal, advocating for aggressive climate action to reduce emissions, transition to renewable energy, and create green jobs. She emphasized the disproportionate impact of environmental degradation on communities of color and low-income populations.
6. Strengthening Education and Childcare Access – Harris promoted accessible, high-quality education and affordable childcare as essential rights. She proposed plans for tuition-free community college, increased teacher pay, and support for childcare services to help working families.
7. Immigration Reform with Compassion – Harris called for an immigration system that balanced security with humanity. She supported pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, protections for DREAMers, and reforms to improve conditions for asylum seekers at the border.
8. Women’s Rights and Gender Equality – A prominent advocate for gender equality, Harris emphasized policies supporting women’s rights, including reproductive rights, equal pay, and protections against gender-based violence. Her campaign targeted issues impacting women, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.
9. Building an Internationally Respected America – Harris’s foreign policy stance focused on restoring America’s global alliances and commitments. She advocated for the U.S. to re-engage in international agreements, like the Paris Climate Accord, and to strengthen relationships with allies to address global issues.
Kamala Harris’s campaign aimed to highlight her experiences as a daughter of immigrants, a prosecutor, and a U.S. Senator to build a platform based on justice, equity, and inclusion. These fundamentals aligned with the broader Democratic goals while bringing her unique perspective and priorities to the table.
I followed up with, “What Are Kamala Harris’ Weaknesses?”
CHATGPT SAID: Kamala Harris’s weaknesses, as noted by political observers and critics, include several challenges that have affected her career and public perception:
1. Inconsistent Policy Positions: Harris has sometimes shifted her stance on key issues, such as healthcare (from supporting “Medicare for All” to advocating for a modified approach), which can lead to perceptions of inconsistency. This has occasionally raised doubts about her commitment to specific policies.
2. Mixed Record on Criminal Justice: Her background as a prosecutor has brought both strengths and criticisms. Some progressives view her record as attorney general of California as overly punitive, particularly on issues related to incarceration and truancy, which conflicts with the calls for criminal justice reform from within her own party.
3. Communication Challenges on Complex Issues: Harris has faced difficulties in clearly articulating her stance on certain issues, occasionally leading to confusion or mixed messaging. This can make it harder to gain public support and maintain a cohesive narrative on her policy goals.
4. Limited Legislative Experience: Compared to some other high-profile political figures, Harris has a relatively short tenure in legislative roles, having served only a few years in the Senate before becoming vice president. This can impact perceptions of her readiness for extensive policymaking experience at a national level.
5. Challenges in Connecting with Broader Constituencies: While Harris has a dedicated base of supporters, critics say she sometimes struggles to connect with the broader electorate. This challenge can make it harder to appeal to moderate or undecided voters and to bridge ideological gaps within the Democratic Party.
6. High Expectations and Intense Scrutiny: As the first woman of color to serve as vice president, Harris faces exceptionally high expectations and scrutiny. While this isn’t a weakness per se, the intense public and media focus on her every action can amplify minor missteps, affecting her public perception.
7. Handling of Immigration Issues: Her role in addressing the complex U.S.-Mexico border situation has faced criticism from both sides of the political spectrum. Some feel she has not done enough to address root causes, while others criticize her for not being vocal enough about the administration’s immigration strategies.
8. Lack of Defined Policy Focus as Vice President: Some critics argue that Harris’s role as vice president has lacked a clear, defining policy initiative, which could help solidify her impact and presence in the administration. This has led to a perception that her contributions as vice president lack visibility and specificity.
9. Challenges with Image Management: Harris’s public image has faced challenges, with critics arguing that her political persona can come across as cautious or overly polished, making it difficult to connect with voters who prioritize authenticity and directness.
10. Difficulty in Building Strong Public Consensus: Harris has at times struggled to create broad-based support around her initiatives, partly due to the divisiveness of her policies or communication approach. Building consensus is essential for advancing major policy goals, and this has posed a hurdle in her career.
These weaknesses highlight areas where Harris faces challenges, especially when trying to bridge ideological divides, clarify her positions, and connect with a wider range of voters.
I then queried, “What Are Kamala Harris’ Strengths?”
CHATGPT SAID: Kamala Harris’s strengths, reflected in her career as a senator, vice president, and prosecutor, include several key qualities:
1. Public Speaking and Debate Skills: Harris is known for her poise and clarity in public speaking, which has been a valuable asset in debates, public addresses, and media appearances. Her ability to communicate effectively has helped her articulate complex issues and policies clearly.
2. Legal Expertise and Prosecutorial Background: Harris’s career as a prosecutor and attorney general of California gave her a strong foundation in law and justice. This background informs her policy approach, particularly on issues related to criminal justice reform, public safety, and civil rights.
3. Advocacy for Social Justice: Harris has been a vocal advocate for civil rights, equality, and justice reform, which resonates with many voters concerned about these issues. Her stance on social justice aligns with a broader movement for systemic reform, and she has been actively involved in promoting diversity and inclusion.
4. Adaptability and Poise Under Pressure: Harris has demonstrated adaptability in high-pressure situations, both in her legal career and in the political spotlight. Her calm demeanor and ability to handle scrutiny help her navigate the intense pressures of public office.
5. Strong Policy Focus on Healthcare and Education: She has consistently prioritized healthcare reform and educational opportunities, aligning herself with issues that impact a broad spectrum of the electorate. Her focus on accessible healthcare and affordable education resonates with middle-class and working families.
6. Commitment to Climate Change Initiatives: Harris has a strong track record of supporting environmental protection and climate change policies. She has been a proponent of green initiatives, renewable energy, and policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, appealing to younger and environmentally-conscious voters.
7. Diversity and Representation: Harris’s background as a woman of Indian and Jamaican descent adds a unique and influential voice to the political landscape. Her representation is significant in inspiring many underrepresented groups and bringing attention to issues impacting communities of color.
8. Coalition-Building Skills: Harris has demonstrated the ability to build coalitions within the Democratic Party, across states, and among diverse communities. This skill is essential in rallying support for legislation and fostering unity on issues where consensus is difficult.
9. Tenacity and Work Ethic: Known for her hard work and resilience, Harris has built a career that reflects a high level of dedication and ambition. Her ability to persist and thrive in a competitive political environment is a testament to her determination.
10. International Diplomatic Presence: As vice president, Harris has engaged with foreign leaders and represented the U.S. on international matters, building her diplomatic credentials. Her efforts to strengthen alliances and address international issues, such as immigration and trade, have broadened her global impact.
These strengths have contributed to Harris’s success as a prominent figure in U.S. politics and positioned her as an influential voice on a range of policy issues.
I asked ChatGPT, “What Were The Fundamentals of the Donald Trump Campaign?”
CHATGPT SAID: Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, encapsulated in his “Agenda 47,” emphasized several key themes:
1. Immigration and Border Security
- Mass Deportations: Trump pledged to execute the largest domestic deportation operation in U.S. history, targeting millions of undocumented immigrants.
- Border Wall Completion: He committed to finishing the construction of the border wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.
- Policy Reinstatements: Plans included reinstating strict immigration policies from his first term, such as the travel ban on several Muslim-majority countries.
2. Economic Nationalism
- Universal Tariffs: Trump proposed imposing a 10% tariff on all foreign imports to encourage domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign goods.
- Tax Reforms: He aimed to extend the 2017 tax cuts and introduce new reductions, including eliminating taxes on tips and overtime pay.
3. Energy Independence
- Fossil Fuel Expansion: Trump’s energy policy focused on increasing fossil fuel production, repealing Biden’s climate incentives, and removing restrictions on consumer goods.
- Deregulation: He planned to roll back environmental regulations to boost energy production and achieve energy independence.
4. Law and Order
- Crime Reduction: Trump proposed severe measures against crime, including the death penalty for drug dealers and child traffickers, as well as shooting shoplifters.
- Urban Renewal: He aimed to rebuild cities, including Washington D.C., making them safe, clean, and beautiful again.
5. Foreign Policy
- Isolationism: Trump emphasized ending U.S. involvement in Ukraine, reevaluating NATO’s purpose, and deploying special forces against Mexican cartels.
- Defense Initiatives: He proposed building a next-generation missile defense shield and promoting extensive fossil fuel drilling.
6. Government Restructuring
- Department Eliminations: Trump planned to dismantle the Department of Education and reallocate federal government positions out of Washington.
- Civil Service Overhaul: He intended to reclassify civil servants to facilitate the removal of employees deemed obstructive to his agenda.
7. Social Policies
- Abortion and Reproductive Rights: Trump aimed to end abortion in the later months of pregnancy and make IVF treatments cost-free.
- Education Reforms: He proposed cutting federal funding for schools pushing critical race theory and radical gender ideology.
These elements of Trump’s 2024 campaign reflect a continuation and intensification of his previous policy positions, focusing on strict immigration enforcement, economic protectionism, energy independence, and a strong stance on law and order.
I followed up with, “What Are Donald Trump’s Strengths?”
CHATGPT SAID: Donald J. Trump’s strengths as observed through his career in business and politics include:
1. Media Savvy: Trump has a strong understanding of media dynamics and how to use them to his advantage. He has an ability to create narratives that keep him in the public eye, using both traditional media and social media effectively.
2. Branding and Marketing: Trump’s name became synonymous with luxury real estate, largely due to his branding efforts. He has a clear sense of brand identity and has leveraged that to build recognition across different industries, from real estate to entertainment.
3. Resilience and Determination: He has shown a high level of persistence and resilience, bouncing back from financial struggles, controversies, and criticisms that could derail most public figures.
4. Understanding of Audience: Trump has an acute sense of the concerns, fears, and desires of his base, which has helped him connect with a large segment of voters who feel underrepresented. His style of communication often resonates with those who feel disconnected from traditional politics.
5. Negotiation Skills: Drawing from his business background, Trump has experience negotiating in complex, high-stakes environments, which he views as a central part of his skill set.
6. Public Speaking Style: His informal, conversational style, combined with humor and provocative remarks, engages his audience and sets him apart from many politicians. This style has helped him stand out and attract attention on both national and global stages.
7. Focus on Economic Policies: During his presidency, Trump prioritized policies aimed at economic growth, such as tax cuts and deregulation, which garnered strong support from business owners and some working-class individuals.
8. Charismatic Leadership for His Base: Trump’s confidence, assertiveness, and direct approach appeal to his supporters, who often see him as someone who speaks his mind without concern for political correctness.
These strengths contributed to his success as a media personality, businessman, and politician, helping him cultivate a dedicated and sizable following.
I the queried, “What Are Donald Trump’s Weaknesses?”
CHATGPT SAID: Donald Trump’s weaknesses, as observed in his business and political career, include several recurring challenges:
1. Controversial Communication Style: His direct and often combative approach can be polarizing, alienating some groups while energizing his base. This style has sometimes led to misunderstandings, backlash, and difficulty in building broader coalitions.
2. Limited Appeal Beyond Base: Trump’s focus on energizing his core supporters can limit his appeal to moderate or undecided voters. His polarizing persona may make it harder to reach consensus across different political and social groups.
3. Impulsivity and Reactionary Decision-Making: He has been criticized for making decisions or statements on impulse, especially through social media. This impulsiveness can lead to missteps or unanticipated consequences that may hinder his objectives.
4. Legal and Financial Controversies: Trump has faced numerous lawsuits, investigations, and financial disputes over the years. These issues have occasionally shifted focus away from his political and business goals and impacted his public image.
5. Inconsistent Policy Positions: Trump’s shifting positions on various issues have sometimes created confusion, even among his supporters. This inconsistency can weaken trust among policymakers and diplomats, making it harder to form stable alliances.
6. Strained Relationships with International Leaders: His “America First” approach and sometimes harsh rhetoric toward allies have strained relationships with other countries. While this appeals to supporters of U.S. sovereignty, it can hinder international collaboration on global issues.
7. Challenges with Organizational Management: Trump’s administration experienced a high turnover of senior staff and advisors, which some attributed to management challenges. Rapid personnel changes can disrupt continuity, affect morale, and reduce efficiency.
8. Resistance to Criticism: Trump is known to react strongly to criticism, often responding with counterattacks rather than reflection. This approach can make it harder to address constructive feedback, which might help him adjust strategies and adapt more effectively.
9. Focus on Loyalty: He places a strong emphasis on personal loyalty, sometimes over other qualifications, which has affected the stability and professionalism of his team. This focus can limit the inclusion of diverse perspectives in decision-making.
10. Challenges in Reaching Younger Demographics: While he has a strong following among specific demographics, his appeal to younger voters has been comparatively limited, which may impact his influence over time as younger generations gain more political power.
These weaknesses contribute to the challenges he faces in achieving widespread political support and maintaining stability within his ventures and campaigns.
My Observations
I’ve learned from this exercise that CHATGPT is harvesting information from news sites for answers. Specifically, the Associated Press and Reuters. So, the question is, do I trust the journalists upon whom CHATGPT is relying. In this case, I find the answers supplied to be sensible. Editorializing seemed to be omitted.
I will also note, no matter how many times I asked for artwork CHATGPT went of its way to misspell words and sentences…EVERY TIME. I’ve concluded that it creates these errors intentionally in order to avoid liability. It may be a “lawyers dodge” but seems protective.
I want to draw attention to the ease with which ChatGPT works. ANYONE CAN DO THIS. It takes about ten seconds to download (and install) and then displays a “question field”. You type in a sentence. It comes up with an answer AND THAT’S IT!
Finally, this article is my attempt to make a political contribution while remaining agnostic.
I didn’t say it…CHAPTGPT did!
Warmly,
Senior Editor – Inside Charity
Nonprofit Executive Asks ChatGPT “Why Did Vice-President Harris Lose The 2024 Presidential Election?” was first posted at INSIDE CHARITY
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