Paul Carpenter, a magician based in New Orleans, is breaking the magician’s code to reveal a shocking illusion: a Democratic consultant tied to the Dean Phillips presidential campaign commissioned him to create a digitally altered recording of Joe Biden.
Just before the New Hampshire primary, Democrats in the state received a robocall featuring a manipulated recording of Biden, urging them not to write his name on the ballots. Despite this effort, Biden managed to secure victory in the primary through a write-in campaign.
Carpenter disclosed to NBC News that he was approached by Steve Kramer, associated with Phillips’ campaign, to produce various imitations of politicians, including Biden, using advanced A.I. technology. Kramer, known for his involvement in ballot access efforts for Phillips, sought Carpenter’s assistance in creating the fabricated audio.
“I produced the audio for the robocall, but I did not handle its distribution,” Carpenter clarified. “I found myself in a situation where I was offered compensation for a task, and I completed it without any malicious intent. I was unaware of how it would be disseminated.”
Paul Carpenter (Credits: Kompas)
Carpenter expressed deep concern over the ease with which such deceptive tactics can be employed. “The accessibility of this technology is alarming. Society is not adequately prepared for its implications,” he remarked.
The magician, whose political leanings appear eclectic, ranging from pro-conspiracy theories to anti-Trump sentiments, revealed that he was introduced to Kramer through a mutual contact. He provided evidence of their communication, including texts, emails, and payment records via Venmo.
Kramer initially engaged Carpenter in September to fabricate A.I. recordings of Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina. Subsequently, in January, Kramer requested a simulated recording of Biden. Carpenter, unaware of Phillips’ existence, believed Kramer was acting on behalf of Graham and Biden’s campaigns with proper authorization for the voice projects.
Payment for the Biden deepfake was facilitated by Kramer’s father, Bruce, through Venmo, though the reason for this arrangement remains unclear.
Following the exposure of the Biden robocall, Kramer instructed Carpenter to delete all correspondence related to their collaboration, including instructions for creating the A.I. recording and the accompanying script.
Phillips’ campaign swiftly distanced itself from the controversy, asserting no knowledge or involvement in the deepfake robocall scheme. They emphasized that Kramer’s contract had concluded weeks earlier, and they would consider legal recourse if the allegations against him proved true.
Despite the campaign’s denial, Phillips has been associated with unconventional A.I. ventures previously. A pro-Phillips PAC developed an A.I. version of the candidate, which garnered significant attention.
This incident isn’t Kramer’s first brush with political controversy. He previously assisted Kanye West in securing ballot access during the rapper’s contentious presidential bid in 2020. Kramer faces legal action from Sara Tirschwell, a former client running for New York City mayor, who accused him of sabotaging her campaign efforts. Kramer denies these allegations, and the matter is ongoing in court.
