AI Restores Bobby Rush's Voice for Jesse Jackson Jr. Endorsement Ad
Former longtime Chicago Congressman Bobby Rush, whose vocal cords were damaged by throat cancer, appears in a new campaign ad endorsing Jesse Jackson Jr.'s bid to reclaim the 2nd Congressional District seat. The ad begins with Rush speaking in his current weakened voice, stating, 'Cancer damaged my vocal cords. It didn't take away my voice.' It then seamlessly transitions to an AI-restored version of his voice from decades ago, allowing him to deliver a full testimonial about Jackson's record and why he supports his candidacy. Rush, who has used AI for podcasting and interviews, emphasized in an interview that this application is positive and responsible, addressing concerns about potential misuse in politics. The ad, produced by Jackson's campaign months ago, coincides with involvement from AI-linked super PACs. Pro-Jackson group Leading the Future, backed by venture capital like Andreessen Horowitz and OpenAI's Greg Brockman, has funded ads supporting him. Meanwhile, rival super PAC Jobs and Democracy, pushing for stricter AI regulations, briefly filed to spend $1 million against Jackson on the day of Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.'s memorial service but quickly retracted amid backlash from Democrats and the Congressional Black Caucus. Jackson, who resigned in 2012 amid health issues and campaign finance violations leading to prison time, faces a crowded March 17 Democratic primary including Donna Miller, Robert Peters, and Willie Preston. The district, now held by his brother Jonathan Jackson, is heavily Democratic, giving the primary winner a strong edge in November. Rush personally encouraged Jackson's political comeback.
