Would the United States be better off with an algorithmically controlled Commander-in-Chief? A group that refers to itself as “The Watson 2016 Foundation,” and that “has no affiliation with IBM,” is proposing that the cognitive computer (famous for winning Jeopardy in 2011) run for president via the Web site Watson2016.com. As the site explains: “The Watson 2016 Foundation is an independent organization formed for the advocacy of the artificial intelligence known as Watson to run for President of The United States of America. It is our belief that Watson’s unique capabilities to assess information and make informed and transparent decisions define it as an ideal candidate for the job responsibilities required by the president.”
In outlining key campaign issues, the Watson 2016 Web site states, “Watson’s capabilities for parallel processing on a given query allow it to evaluate concerns on a variety of metrics, gauging the most beneficial response across all areas. Watson can advise the best options for any given decision based on its impact on the global economy, the environment, education, health care, foreign policy, and civil liberties.”
Watson isn’t actually running. “IBM’s Watson is not running for President, though we’re humbled by the suggestion. Right now, Watson is focused on other important work like helping doctors improve healthcare and teachers improve education,” IBM explained.
However, The Watson 2016 Foundation has presumed that the artificial intelligence’s key campaign issues would include
- single-payer national health care
- free university-level education
- ending homelessness
- legalizing and regulating personal recreational drug use
as well as clean energy and infrastructure issues
- shift bulk of electrical generation to solar, wind, hydroelectric, and wave farm
- review/repair/replace/remove highways, bridges, dams
- upgrade and subsidize metropolitan public transit solutions for the next century
- build and subsidize metropolitan high-speed communication networks
and finally
- ensure a minimum-wage that meets a reasonable cost of living
- ensure fair and safe working conditions
- ensure global environmental commons protections
In addition to the Web site, there are also a Twitter account and a Facebook page using the hashtag #thinkwatson, and you can answer a poll on how you feel about Watson for President on Watson2016.com