A Democratic consultant hired a New Orleans magician, Paul Carpenter, to create audio for robocalls that used artificial intelligence to mimic President Joe Biden’s voice in an attempt to interfere with the New Hampshire primary election. The recorded message was sent to thousands of voters in violation of the state’s voter suppression laws, leading authorities to issue cease-and-desist orders to two Texas companies involved. The connection to the magician was first reported by NBC News, and the investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The Phillips’ presidential campaign, for which the consultant worked, denounced the calls and his alleged actions, stating that they had paid him to help with ballot access in New York and Pennsylvania. The campaign expressed disgust at the consultant’s alleged involvement in the fake Biden robocalls, emphasizing their commitment to competition, choice, and democracy. The Biden-Harris campaign in New Hampshire also supports efforts to hold accountable those who attempt to disrupt elections and remains vigilant against disinformation threats.
In a phone interview, Carpenter revealed that he met the consultant through a mutual acquaintance and discussed using AI to create audio while staying at the same New Orleans house. Screenshots and Venmo transactions shared with NBC News and the AP show communication between them, including the consultant sending a script and paying Carpenter before the primary. Carpenter claimed he thought the consultant was working for the Biden campaign and is considering legal action against him.
The recorded robocall falsely suggested that voting in the primary would prevent voters from casting a ballot in the general election, using a voice similar to Biden’s and his catchphrase, “What a bunch of malarkey.” The calls appeared to come from the personal cellphone number of Kathy Sullivan, a former state Democratic Party chair, who had no prior knowledge of the consultant and received no apology from the campaign for spoofing her number. Biden later won the primary as a write-in candidate after keeping his name off the ballot.
Authorities in New Hampshire continue to investigate the incident, focusing on the involvement of the consultant and the magician in creating the fake Biden robocalls. The use of artificial intelligence to interfere with elections raises concerns about the potential impact on voter turnout and the integrity of the electoral process. Efforts to prevent such interference and hold those responsible accountable are essential to safeguarding the democratic principles of competition, choice, and fair elections.
