Politics and Sausage Making by Mark Strand
“If you like laws and sausages, you should never watch either one being made.” – Otto Von Bismark
MAR 05, 2024
Last week, I attended a webinar for my fellow professors at George Washington University on the abilities of ChatGPT. The conclusion was that ChatGPT will be to writing what the calculator is to math. It is here, it is going to be used, so we had best learn all about it.
Of course, I could not resist playing around with it, and it really is quite amazing. So, I asked the artificial intelligence program to write an Oval Office address by Ronald Reagan on the situation in Ukraine.
If there was one president in my lifetime that Congress listened to very closely, it was the Great Communicator, Ronald Reagan. People forget that Ronald Reagan had a Democratic-controlled House of Representatives for his entire presidency. And yet, he could get great things done through the power of his ideas. In the words of one Democratic congressman at the time, “I don’t agree with President Reagan, but I am pretty sure my constituents do.”
So here is what ChatGPT came up with. See what you think.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the President of the United States.
My fellow Americans,
Tonight, I wish to address a matter of utmost importance—one that speaks to the heart of our values and our role as a beacon of freedom in the world. The situation in Ukraine calls upon us to stand with a nation that yearns for the same liberties and opportunities that we hold dear. But beyond our shared commitment to democracy, there are strategic reasons why aiding Ukraine is squarely in the interest of the United States.
Ukraine’s struggle for sovereignty and self-determination resonates with our own history. We know what it means to fight for freedom, to stand against tyranny, and to forge a future determined by the will of the people. When we support Ukraine, we are not just offering assistance; we are upholding the principles that have guided our nation since its birth.
Some may ask why we should allocate American tax dollars to support Ukraine. The answer lies in the belief that a world that respects the rights of nations and the dignity of individuals is a safer and more stable world for us all. By investing in Ukraine’s security and economic development, we create a bulwark against aggression and sow the seeds of stability that benefit not only Ukraine but the entire international community.
Let us be clear: the conflict in Ukraine is not just a regional dispute; it is a conflict between the forces of tyranny and the forces of liberty. It is a test of our resolve to protect the rights of nations and peoples to determine their own destiny without interference from others.
In this pivotal moment, I firmly believe that the United States must provide assistance and support to Ukraine. We must not waver in our commitment to their sovereignty and their right to self-determination. Our aid should not be seen as a mere transaction, but as an affirmation of our enduring belief in the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
To those who argue for inaction, I remind them that history has shown that the appeasement of aggression only emboldens those who seek to undermine the freedoms we hold dear. We must stand strong and resolute against any force that seeks to trample upon the rights of others and impose their will through violence and intimidation.
Turning our gaze to the Asia-Pacific region, we find another pressing challenge: the need to deter China from any notion of invading Taiwan. Taiwan’s freedom and security are integral to the balance of power in the region and the preservation of peace. We must make it clear that any aggression against Taiwan will be met with consequences that far outweigh any potential gains.
Here’s where our support for Ukraine becomes pivotal in deterring China. By showing our commitment to Ukraine’s defense, we send a resounding message to nations around the world that the United States stands unwaveringly against aggression. Our actions in one part of the world reverberate across the globe, shaping the calculus of those who might consider undermining international norms.
Helping Ukraine is not just a matter of principle; it’s a strategic move that bolsters our credibility on the world stage. When China sees our dedication to the sovereignty of Ukraine, it must also recognize our steadfastness in upholding the sovereignty of Taiwan. This linkage strengthens our position, making it clear that any aggression, anywhere, will be met with unified resistance.
My fellow Americans, our support for Ukraine is not just an altruistic gesture, but a strategic imperative that safeguards our own security and promotes the stability of the world order. By investing in Ukraine’s future, we invest in a world where the principles of freedom and democracy thrive, and where aggression is met with the united resolve of nations.
May God bless Ukraine, and may God bless the United States of America. Thank you, and good night.
This sounds a lot like President Reagan to me. Most Millenials and all GenZ Americans do not remember Ronald Reagan. It is a pity since the situation he inherited from his predecessor closely resembles our problems today. It is worth watching this Oval Office address on the Challenger disaster to get a great taste of Reagan’s communication skills in about four minutes.
Of course, Ronald Reagan has been gone for a long time now, but his beliefs and the words he used to convey them remain relevant today because they were based on timeless principles that remain true, even as the faces and names change in history’s inexorable march through time. He understood America and its meaning.
Today, I read that some in the so-called New Right say the old Reagan Conservatives are “hopelessly naïve, and must stop fetishizing civility, decency and the self-defeating ideal of limited government.” But to give up on civility, decency, and limited government would be to deny what made America the country it is today. Our Constitution is designed to prevent the excessive concentration of power, whether it is from a political movement or an authoritarian demagogue. It’s why we have so many checks and balances built into our system of government. The way to change American hearts is not to bully them but persuade them.
That was the gift of Ronald Reagan, and we could use another Reagan today. But history does not give us do-overs. Instead, our history has allowed great people to come forward amidst great crises to remind us of who we are and to shine a light on the founding principles that made us an exceptional people.
Who knows what the future holds? Joe Biden and Donald Trump have had the same opportunity to lead that President Reagan did, and neither rose to the occasion. It won’t happen again, I am afraid until we have a president who speaks to and for all Americans, and not just their political party base.
There are two ways for a president to get reelected. The first is to secure the political base and vilify his opponent. The second is to do great things that make a president worthy of reelection.
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Comment from :
That is the best piece if AI work I’ve seen or read to date. Certainly sounds like the Gipper, and something either Peggy Noonan or Marc Thiessen would have written. Great post.
The comment from Professor Mark Strand on Steven Moore’s post interested me enough to investigate his own writings and this “AI Reagan” piece is a belter.
I gather that the prof has been unwell recently. I have subscribed to his output and look forward to posting more.
One can’t help reflecting on great Republicans like prof Strand, Steven Moore and of course the Gipper and wondering how the hell their party has not only been infiltrated by gutter trash, but seemingly taken over by abominations like Trumpkov, MTG etc.
“AI Reagan” referenced China. In today’s DT, Russia (of course) and the chicoms are named as attempting to use trolls to destabilize the UK:
“China, Russia and Iran are fuelling disinformation about the Princess of Wales to destabilise the nation, Whitehall sources believe.
Senior Government figures fear that hostile states are behind the spread of wild conspiracy theories and online rumours surrounding the Princess’s health.
After the Princess announced her cancer diagnosis on Friday evening, Rishi Sunak led the condemnation of social media trolls for targeting her online in recent weeks.
But his intervention did not deter further frenzied commentary, with a disinformation chief saying on Sunday that the Princess had been “revictimised” by trolls criticising her for not publicly revealing her diagnosis sooner.
On Sunday, it emerged that there was growing concern in Whitehall that hostile state actors could be involved in whipping up the frenzied social media attacks on the Princess.
A government source told The Telegraph: “Part of the modus operandi of hostile states is to destabilise things – whether that is undermining the legitimacy of our elections or other institutions.”
It comes as Downing Street is preparing to announce fresh sanctions on China as soon as Monday, after a wave of state-backed cyber attacks against a group of senior MPs and peers.”
The well known RaT employee and conspiracy theorist George Galloway, went further, with bullshit on his website; obviously originating in Russia, that claimed the Princess “is in a vegetative state”; amongst other hateful lies.
Russia and China: the shit on the world’s shoes.
Reagan is who we need in the White House during these trying times. As a matter of fact, with him as president, this war would not even exist.
I read about a 1979 campaign ad for Ron Reagan that said (referring to the Iran hostage crisis) :
“do you think this would have happened during a Ronald Reagan presidency?”
I can’t locate it online, but I’m pretty sure it’s true and the claim was correct. It was a big vote-winner.
Carter was weak and had a weird sympathy for shit people like Arafat and the PLO. Reagan was decisive, principled and worked on his instincts.
Trumpkov has tried several times to steal the idea that he has Reagan’s integrity and a moral compass, when he has neither. Zilch.
In 2015 Trumpkov said “take it from me, he’s not going into Ukraine” about putler. When informed that putler was already there, he went into a rant that publicly demonstrated his sympathy for “Russian speakers” and enthusiasm for Ukraine partition; which is his plan now if he gets power.
During the Trump presidency, putler consolidated his hold over Crimea and Donbas; atrocities were being committed daily on Trump’s watch. Many thousands of civilians were tortured or murdered. At no time did Trump ever say to putler : “get out of Ukraine.”
In fact the two got on very well, with Trumpkov in the role of lapdog.
“But he sent Javelins!” Yes; 200 and they were to be stored in West Ukraine. Far too few to deter a nazi power like putler anyway, so basically useless.
I remember vividly how the hostages were suddenly freed just before Reagan assumed office. The terrorists KNEW it was the best thing to do. The marshmallows we have today are only encouraging these filthy creatures with their spinelessness and wokeness.
I might be voting for AIReagan.
Me too.
I both loved the article and was taken aback.. I have often said President (and I mean President not the jokers who came after him) Reagan was the best president in my lifetime. Outside of being a wonderful communicator, like any fine CEO, he hired brilliant individuals around him who gave him wonderful counsel. I was taken aback as the speech from Reagan sounded exactly like him and for a minute thought back in the 80’s how he could have anticipated the troubles in Ukraine. But alas it was AI, absolutely wonderful, but what could individuals, with an immoral compass, can fake something using AI. Yes AI is with us but until humans can grow up and use the technology properly, I will be nervous. I will leave my comment with a comment from the article which speaks to President Reagan’s legacy, something I wish our current politicians have…
“And yet, he could get great things done through the power of his ideas. In the words of one Democratic congressman at the time, “I don’t agree with President Reagan, but I am pretty sure my constituents do.”