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  • From the Desk of Al Franken

AI deepfakes

Let’s talk about AI deepfakes.

And just to be clear, when I say AI, I mean artificial intelligence, not my name. I know — it’s a confusing coincidence. 

AI deepfakes are hyper-realistic, computer-generated videos designed to make people appear to say or do things they never actually said or did. And because apparently every new technology eventually gets weaponized for politics, deepfakes have now entered the world of campaign advertising.

The latest targets are two U.S. Senate candidates that Midwest Values PAC is proudly supporting: Peggy Flanagan in Minnesota and James Talarico in Texas.

Donate to MVP to help Peggy and James set the record straight.

In Minnesota, a super PAC supporting Peggy’s opponent is airing an AI-generated deepfake of Peggy on television. They can’t beat her record, so they’re trying to fool voters with lies instead.

And in Texas, a pro-Trump PAC has spent six figures on television ads featuring a deepfake video of James Talarico singing a parody song about transgender kids set to the tune of “My Favorite Things” from The Sound of Music.

These ads aren’t satire. They aren’t parody. They’re deliberately deceptive.

The goal is simple: confuse voters, spread misinformation, and make it harder for people to know what’s real.

And unfortunately, the technology is getting better. Deepfakes are becoming harder to spot, and they fool a lot of people.

That’s why it’s so important that Peggy and James have the resources they need to respond, tell the truth, and communicate directly with voters. Help MVP continue supporting them.

Al

P.S. The silver lining is that Peggy and James’ opponents wouldn’t be resorting to these kinds of cheap tricks if they thought they were winning. They’re scared. As they should be.

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Somehow, it’s been 20 years since I started Midwest Values PAC to help Democrats win elections — from progressive organizations to state legislatures to Congress to the White House — who share the values I grew up with in St. Louis Park, Minnesota.

Since 2006, Midwest Values PAC has invested more than $4 million in 341 candidates and organizations — and counting. 

Of course, none of this happens without you (or supporters like you) who care enough to pitch in.

As we mark our 20th anniversary, the work is more urgent than ever. This year, we have a big job: flip the House, take the Senate, and win up and down the ballot at the state and local level.

To mark our 20th year, we’ve set an ambitious goal: 26,000 contributions by Election Day 2026.

DONATE HERE

Thanks for being part of this fight, and for sticking with us for 20 years (or for just joining — welcome!).

Al

P.S. Over the years, okay, decades, we’ve helped Democrats win tough races all across the country by investing early, intelligently, and strategically. That’s how you flip seats. That’s how you protect democracy. And that’s how you stop the worst impulses of a president who never should have been president in the first place.

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