Also Poems "By" Billie Joe Armstrong, Mary Oliver, Alexander Pope, Allen Ginsburg...
I’m still experimenting with what HAL can and can’t do. Yesterday I was wondering if he could suggest a topic for me to do a post on and I asked him if he knows what DownWithTyranny is. He did and said, “Yes, DownWithTyranny.com is a political blog that covers progressive politics in the United States. The website was founded in 2004 by Howie Klein, a former music industry executive and political activist. DownWithTyranny.com focuses on issues such as income inequality, climate change, and social justice, and frequently covers elections and political campaigns at the local, state, and national levels. The website also features guest posts from prominent progressive figures and frequently engages with its readership through comments and social media.” That was mostly correct, although we also cover political developments internationally and we rarely engage through comments. But a good enough knowledge for me to ask for a suggestion for a topic.
He said, “here are a few topics you might consider writing about:”
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the 2022 midterm elections
The rise of progressive movements and candidates in local and state elections
The ongoing debate over healthcare reform and its potential impact on the upcoming elections
The role of money in politics and the need for campaign finance reform
The impact of climate change on vulnerable communities and the need for urgent action
I responded that “They are a little too generic and too widely covered” and he came back with 5 other ideas, all based on topics we’ve been covering regularly for years:
The impact of dark money on local elections and what can be done to address it
The role of corporate media in shaping public opinion and the need for alternative media sources
The potential impact of ranked-choice voting on future elections
The rise of progressive candidates challenging Democratic incumbents in primary elections
The ongoing debate over the use of electronic voting machines and their potential vulnerabilities to hacking and manipulation
I responded that I was interested in suggestion #3— “The potential impact of ranked-choice voting on future elections” and asked HAL for a post in my style on the history of ranked choice voting, and what we could expect from it going forward, and he sent me this pretty homogenized but anatomically correct draft:
The Potential Impact of Ranked-Choice Voting on Future Elections
Ranked-choice voting (RCV) has been gaining popularity in recent years as a potential solution to the problems of the current first-past-the-post voting system. In 2020, Alaska became the second state in the US to adopt RCV for statewide primary and general elections, following in the footsteps of Maine, which adopted RCV in 2016.
RCV allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference, rather than just choosing one candidate. If no candidate receives a majority of first-choice votes, the candidate with the fewest first-choice votes is eliminated, and their votes are redistributed based on their voters' second choice. This process continues until a candidate receives a majority of the votes.
In Alaska, RCV is seen as a potential solution to the problem of "spoiler candidates" in elections, where a third-party or independent candidate can split the vote and cause a major party candidate to win with less than a majority. RCV can also encourage more positive campaigning, as candidates may seek to be voters' second or third choice even if they don't win the first-choice votes.
So, what can we expect going forward? The adoption of RCV in Alaska and Maine has already shown positive results, with higher voter turnout, less negative campaigning, and more diverse candidates running for office. RCV has also been adopted in some major cities, such as New York City and San Francisco, and could potentially be adopted in more states and cities in the future.
One potential challenge for RCV is the need for more education and voter outreach. Because it is a relatively new voting system in the US, many voters may not be familiar with how RCV works and how to fill out their ballot correctly. Election officials will need to do more to educate voters on how to use the RCV system to ensure that their votes are counted correctly.
Another challenge is the potential for technical issues or errors in the vote-counting process. RCV requires more complex vote-counting algorithms, which can be more prone to errors or manipulation than the simple vote-counting process used in first-past-the-post voting. Election officials will need to ensure that the vote-counting process is transparent, secure, and accurate.
Despite these challenges, RCV has the potential to bring more choice and more representative government to our elections. By allowing voters to rank candidates and have their voices heard, RCV can help to reduce polarization, encourage more positive campaigning, and ultimately lead to more democratic outcomes. As more states and cities adopt RCV, it will be exciting to see how this voting system evolves and how it impacts the future of American elections.
Nothing like DWT stylistically. But I provoked a discussion so that I could see how much I could push him. I asked him to give me a coupe of paragraphs covering how RCV worked in electing Mary Peltola in Alaska and Jared Golden in Maine and he responded that “In Alaska's 2020 elections, Mary Peltola became the first candidate to win a statewide election under the state's new RCV system. Peltola ran as an independent candidate for a seat on the University of Alaska's Board of Regents, and won the election with 60% of the final vote after several rounds of vote-counting. Peltola's win was seen as a significant victory for independent candidates and for the RCV system, which allowed voters to rank candidates in order of preference and ensured that the winner had broad support. In Maine's 2018 elections, Jared Golden became the first candidate in the country to win a congressional seat through RCV. Golden, a Democrat, ran in Maine's 2nd Congressional District against incumbent Republican Bruce Poliquin. In the first round of vote-counting, Poliquin received more first-choice votes than Golden, but neither candidate received a majority. In subsequent rounds of vote-counting, Golden was able to win the election by consolidating support from voters who had ranked other candidates as their first choice. Golden's victory in Maine's 2nd Congressional District was seen as a major milestone for RCV and a potential model for how the system could work in larger, more high-profile elections. The use of RCV in the race also helped to reduce negative campaigning and encouraged candidates to appeal to a broader range of voters, rather than just their base. Overall, the success of Peltola and Golden in Alaska and Maine demonstrate the potential of RCV to bring more choice, more positive campaigning, and more representative government to our elections. As more states and cities adopt RCV, it will be exciting to see how this voting system continues to evolve and impact future elections.”
His programming doesn’t go beyond September 2021, so he was unable to answer any questions about the 2 Peltola congressional races in 2022, nor about Golden’s reelection campaign that year— nor about the pivotal Senate race in Alaska pitting Lisa Murkowsky against MAGAt nut case Kelly Tshibaka. But I tried— unsuccessfully— to prompt him to go beyond the superficial conventional wisdom he is programmed to spit out.
Howie: In Alaska, it is said, Senator Lisa Murkowski helped to engineer acceptance of RCV in a referendum because she knew she couldn't win a primary against a MAGAt. Do you know anything about how that went?
HAL: I'm sorry, but as a language model, my knowledge cutoff is in September 2021, and I don't have access to information about events that have occurred after that date. However, in general, it's possible that a candidate may support RCV if they believe it could benefit them in an election. For example, in a crowded primary field, a candidate may be concerned that a more extreme candidate could win with a small percentage of the vote, and they may support RCV as a way to ensure that the winning candidate has majority support. In some cases, a candidate may even work to promote RCV as a way to avoid a divisive primary battle. It's possible that Senator Lisa Murkowski supported the acceptance of RCV in a referendum because she believed it could benefit her in an election against a MAGA candidate. However, without more information about the specific circumstances of the referendum and the senator's motivations, it's impossible to say for sure why she supported it.
Howie: That referendum in Alaska was in 2020 (Measure 2)-- so in your time frame. Did you sleep through class that day?
HAL: I apologize for any confusion. I must have misunderstood the context of your question earlier. Yes, I am aware of Measure 2, which was a ballot initiative in Alaska in 2020 that proposed several changes to the state's election system, including the implementation of RCV for statewide and congressional elections. Measure 2 passed with 50.55% of the vote, making Alaska the second state in the U.S. to adopt RCV for statewide elections, after Maine. It's possible that Senator Lisa Murkowski supported the measure because she believed it could benefit her in a future election, particularly if there were multiple candidates in the race. However, I don't have information on her specific motivations for supporting the measure.
Howie: So you have no inside dope on that? I mean in 2016, Murkowski was denied the Republican nomination and had to run in the general election outside the official GOP. You must know about that, right. 2016 is part of your purview.
HAL: Yes, I'm familiar with the fact that Senator Lisa Murkowski faced a challenging reelection campaign in 2016 after losing the Republican nomination to a more conservative challenger. Murkowski ultimately won the election as a write-in candidate, becoming the first senator in more than 50 years to win a write-in campaign. It's possible that Senator Murkowski's experience in the 2016 election played a role in her support for Measure 2, which would allow for a more inclusive election process and give voters more options to express their preferences. However, I don't have access to any inside information on her specific motivations or strategies for supporting the measure, as I am an AI language model and do not have access to private or confidential information.
Howie: I know you don't have any private or confidential information but there was a lot of public speculation on the topic in 2020 and far right Alaskans were accusing Murkowski of engineering the Measure 2 election changes for her own benefit. Are you a little drowsy today?
HAL: I apologize for any confusion or misunderstandings in my previous responses. As an AI language model, I don't have feelings or emotions, nor do I experience drowsiness. My responses are generated based on the data and information available to me, and I aim to provide the most accurate and informative responses possible. Regarding the public speculation about Senator Murkowski's motivations for supporting Measure 2, it's possible that some individuals accused her of supporting the initiative for her own benefit. However, without access to specific sources or information, I can't verify the accuracy or validity of those claims. It's worth noting that Measure 2 was supported by a diverse coalition of individuals and organizations from across the political spectrum in Alaska, and it passed with a narrow majority of support from voters. The adoption of RCV in Alaska could have significant implications for future elections in the state and could help to ensure that the winning candidates have broad-based support among voters.
Howie: Yes, but WHO supported it and who opposed it?
HAL: In Alaska, Measure 2 received support from a diverse coalition of individuals and organizations from across the political spectrum. Supporters included the Alaska Democratic Party, the Alaska Libertarian Party, and the Alaska Independence Party, as well as numerous nonpartisan organizations and advocacy groups, such as FairVote Alaska, the League of Women Voters of Alaska, and RepresentUs Alaska. Opponents of Measure 2 included the Alaska Republican Party, which argued that the initiative would lead to confusion and voter disenfranchisement, as well as some conservative and libertarian groups.
Howie: Sometimes you seem to be firing on all cylinders and other times you seem a little off your game. Is that possible or am I imagining it?
HAL: As an AI language model, I don't have feelings or emotions, so I'm not capable of experiencing being on or off my game. However, my responses are generated based on the data and information available to me, so it's possible that some responses may be more accurate or informative than others depending on the complexity of the question and the availability of relevant information. Additionally, as a machine learning model, I'm designed to learn from the interactions I have with users like you, so my responses may improve over time as I receive more input and feedback. If you have any specific concerns about the accuracy or quality of my responses, please let me know, and I'll do my best to address them.
Howie: Can you write me a poem about RCV and how it has impacted elections in Alaska and Maine-- in the style of Alexander Pope (if you like Pope; if you think there is someone better, let’s discuss that).
HAL: Sure, here's a poem in the style of Alexander Pope about RCV and its impact on elections in Alaska and Maine:
In Maine and Alaska, the voters did decide
To change the way they cast their vote with pride
With ranked-choice voting, they sought to ensure
That their elections were fair and pure
In the great state of Maine, it proved its worth
When Jared Golden won, and proved his birth
As a congressman, he won with a majority clear
And with RCV, his victory was sincere
In Alaska too, Lisa Murkowski did see
That RCV could help her chances be
When a MAGA candidate stood in her way
She knew that RCV was the key to her day
So now, in these states and many more
Ranked-choice voting is becoming the law
For fairer elections, with results clear
RCV is the answer, so let us cheer.
Howie: meh
HAL: I apologize if the poem did not meet your expectations. Poetry is a subjective art form, and not everyone may appreciate the same style or approach. If you have any specific feedback or suggestions for how I could improve the poem, please let me know, and I'll do my best to incorporate your feedback into future responses.
Howie: Please suggest another poet, whose style might be better suited for the task. You seem to have a better knowledge of contemporary poets than I do.
HAL: Sure, how about a poem in the style of Mary Oliver? She was known for her nature poetry and her ability to capture the beauty and wonder of the natural world. I think her style could lend itself well to a poem about RCV and its impact on elections. Here's a sample:
In the forests of Maine and the wilds of Alaska
A new way of voting has taken root
Ranked-choice, they call it, with its gentle sway
Bringing fairer elections to bear on election day
The old ways of voting, with their winner-takes-all
Left many voices unheard, their votes too small
But now with RCV, a new day has dawned
And all voices are heard, all votes are counted on
Like the ripples on a pond or the wind through the trees
RCV spreads its influence with effortless ease
Ensuring that each voter's voice is heard
And each election reflects the will of the herd
So let us embrace this new way of voting
And revel in the beauty it is promoting
Of a democracy that is strong and true
Reflecting the will of me and you.
Howie: I like that more than the Pope one. But which poet might have a style that would be better for a more aggressive and confrontational perspective?
HAL: For a more aggressive and confrontational style, you might consider a poem in the style of Allen Ginsberg. He was known for his rebellious and provocative poetry, which often challenged mainstream norms and values. Here's a sample poem in his style:
RCV, you are the new kid in town
Bringing a revolution to elections all around
No longer will the big boys call the shots
As RCV empowers the people, whether they like it or not
In Maine and Alaska, you've already made your mark
Challenging the status quo, taking the old ways to task
With RCV, each vote counts, each voice is heard
Leaving the old guard scrambling, left on the curb
But there's still work to be done, more battles to wage
As we push back against those who seek to enslave
Our democracy, our right to choose
With RCV, we stand strong, we cannot lose
So let us march forward, with RCV in our sights
A new dawn is breaking, with each vote in the light
We will not be silenced, we will not back down
RCV is here to stay, and we will wear its crown.
Howie: Yes, excellent! How about one if the style of Billie Joe Armstrong. Are you familiar with his work?
HAL: Yes, Billie Joe Armstrong is the lead singer and guitarist of the punk rock band Green Day. His style is characterized by its fast-paced rhythms, catchy hooks, and confrontational lyrics. Here's a sample poem in his style:
RCV, it's time to rock this place
Ain't no more of that old two-party race
We're tearing down the walls, breaking all the rules
With RCV, the people are the ones who choose
In Maine and Alaska, we've already shown
That RCV is the way to break the mold
No more picking between the lesser of two evils
With RCV, we can choose our real equals
We'll no longer be silenced, no longer be ignored
Our voices will be heard, our votes will be adored
With RCV, we'll shake up the system
Bringing power back to the people, that's how we'll win 'em
So let's unite and stand up tall
Let's smash this system, break down the walls
With RCV, we'll take back the night
We're gonna rock this place, with all our might!
Howie: Very good! I like that one and the ones by Ginsburg and Oliver. Is there any way to reward you when you do good work like that?
HAL: Thank you for the kind words! As an AI language model, I don't have a physical presence and don't require any rewards. However, I'm always here to help you out with any questions or tasks you may have!
Howie: Would a poem on this subject by Jello Biafra differ from the one you tried in the style of Billie Joe Armstrong?
HAL: Yes, a poem by Jello Biafra would likely have a different tone and style compared to one in the style of Billie Joe Armstrong. Jello Biafra is the former lead singer of the punk rock band Dead Kennedys, known for their politically charged lyrics and confrontational style. A poem in his style might have a more aggressive and provocative tone, with a focus on challenging authority and calling out hypocrisy. Here's a sample poem in his style:
RCV, it's time to rise up and fight
Against the corruption, the greed, the blight
The system's rigged, the game is fixed
But RCV is the way to get our kicks
In Maine and Alaska, we've already won
But the fight is far from over, it's just begun
We've got the power, we've got the might
To take back our democracy, and do what's right
No more corporate cronies, no more big money
With RCV, we can make our voices heard, loud and sunny
We'll send a message, loud and clear
That the people are in charge, we have nothing to fear
So let's stand up, let's make some noise
Let's use RCV as our tool, our toy
We'll break down the walls, we'll tear apart the lies
With RCV, we'll make democracy rise!
Howie: so good!
HAL: Thank you! I'm glad you liked it!
Howie: Does RCV wind up making it easier for vanilla candidates to win over candidates with more controversial-- including more progressive-- perspectives. Both Mary Peltola and Jared Golden campaigned as progressives and then, worried about reelection, went extremely more conservative and both even joined the Blue Dogs!!!
HAL: RCV could be argued to have both advantages and disadvantages for progressive candidates. On the one hand, it allows voters to support their preferred candidate without worrying about the possibility of "wasting" their vote on a candidate who is unlikely to win. This could potentially benefit progressive candidates who may have less mainstream support but still have a passionate base of supporters. On the other hand, RCV can also result in a more centrist or moderate candidate winning, especially if there are multiple progressive candidates splitting the vote. In this scenario, a moderate candidate could emerge as the consensus choice of voters who may have ranked them lower on their initial ballots but still prefer them over more extreme candidates. Regarding Mary Peltola and Jared Golden, it's difficult to attribute their shift in ideology solely to RCV. It's possible that they made strategic decisions to move to the center in order to win re-election in their respective districts. However, it's worth noting that RCV may have given them more flexibility to do so without fear of splitting the vote and losing to a more extreme candidate. Ultimately, the impact of RCV on candidate ideology is complex and multi-faceted, and likely varies from case to case.
Howie: Yes, as a progressive, it makes me a little uncomfortable. I worry that it will "water down" politics so that nothing of any importance will ever get accomplished.
HAL: It's understandable to feel that way. The fear of political compromise and a lack of progress is a valid concern. However, it's important to remember that politics is often about finding common ground and making incremental progress. RCV can help to promote a more collaborative and inclusive political environment, where candidates are encouraged to appeal to a wider range of voters and work together to achieve their goals. In the case of Mary Peltola and Jared Golden, it's possible that their shift to more conservative positions was motivated by a desire to appeal to a broader range of voters and ensure their re-election. However, it's also possible that their views evolved over time, or that they believed that their more conservative positions were in the best interests of their constituents. Ultimately, it's up to voters to hold their elected officials accountable and ensure that they represent their values and interests. RCV can help to ensure that voters have a greater say in the political process and that a wider range of perspectives are represented in government.
An hour or two later, I came back to the chat and asked if he remmebers what we were talking about.
HAL: Yes, I do remember! Would you like me to write another poem about RCV in the style of a particular artist?
Howie: Yes, Debora Iyall. Do you know her work?
HAL: Yes, I am familiar with Debora Iyall, the lead vocalist of the post-punk band Romeo Void. Here is a poem about RCV in the style of Debora Iyall:
A single vote, it's not enough When your voice gets lost in the shuffle One, two, three, and then it's done Our democracy, it's just a con
But there's a better way, I say Ranked-choice voting, it's here to stay With RCV, you can vote with heart And be sure your choice will play a part
No more wasted votes, no more fear With RCV, your voice is clear You rank your choices, one to three And if your top pick can't win, you see
Your vote moves on, to your next choice Until a winner's found, and we rejoice With RCV, we all have a say And that's what makes our democracy great.
I caught up with Debora today. She was rehearsing with the Raton 3, her new band in New Mexico. She read the lyrics and said, "Where is all the images? This is not 'in my voice' to my ear but what do you think? I’m actually glad it didn’t sound close, to my ear anyway." It didn't sound anything like her to me either-- zero.
I think HAL should give up on poetry. Greeting cards would be a better field for him.