CNN: Street Magician Behind AI-Generated Robocall Scandal Revealed

A New Orleans street magician, Paul Carpenter, has found himself at the center of a high-tech political scandal involving an AI-generated robocall imitating President Joe Biden’s voice. Despite having no fixed address and never voting, Carpenter revealed himself as the creator of the fake audio that urged Democrats to skip voting in the New Hampshire primary.

Carpenter, known for his magical feats and world record in fork bending, claimed he was hired by a political consultant working for the campaign of Rep. Dean Phillips, a Democratic challenger to Biden. The robocall, sent to over 20,000 people, has sparked law enforcement investigations and concerns about AI’s impact on American politics.

The origin of the robocall, the first major effort to use AI to imitate a US president, has been a mystery, with New Hampshire’s attorney general opening a criminal investigation. The Phillips campaign distanced itself from the consultant, Steve Kramer, who allegedly hired Carpenter for the job.

Carpenter, who described himself as a magician and hypnotist, said he didn’t realize the political implications of his work and felt “heartbroken” that it could have influenced voters. He claimed he was introduced to Kramer on the streets of New Orleans and was paid $150 for creating the AI call.

As the scandal unfolds, political observers warn of the ease with which AI tools can influence politics, raising concerns about the integrity of elections. Carpenter, feeling used and duped by Kramer, expressed regret for his involvement in the controversy.

The incident highlights the growing influence of technology in shaping political narratives and the need for vigilance in combating disinformation aimed at undermining democracy. Despite the turmoil, Carpenter remains hopeful for a return to fame rather than infamy in the future.