The White House: Artificial Intelligence Experiment Gone Awry

Geeks like me fondly remember Eliza, the AI "doctor". An example exchange:

> Hello, I am Eliza.
* What role have ranchers and energy and timber companies played in shaping land-use policy in the current administration?
> Does that question interest you?
* Yes. Would you please answer it?
> Oh... please answer it?
* Yes.
> I see.
* See what?
> What answer would please you the most?
* That you are not beholden to special interests.
> Does it please you to believe I am not beholden to special interests?

Can you tell the difference between that exchange and this one from Ask The White House yesterday?

Ben, from Philadelphia writes:
What role have ranchers and energy and timber companies played in shaping land-use policy in the current administration?

Gale Norton
One of the most exciting things about being Secretary of the Interior, Ben, is the interaction with a diverse and energized public.

Since most of the decisions the Department makes involve public comments or other public processes, all citizens have the opportunity to participate in the decision-making process for the future of America’s public lands.

Or how 'bout yesterday's press gaggle?

Question: Some of the families of the 9/11 victims have criticized the President for using these -- using 9/11 footage in those ads. Are you exploiting the situation, and what do you say to that?

MR. McCLELLAN: Actually, September 11th was a defining moment for our nation. It was an experience that all Americans shared. It is the reason we are still at war on terrorism. And all of us, as Americans, shared in the experience of that tragic day. And it is vital to our future that we learn what September 11th taught us. September 11th changed the equation in our public policy. It forever changed our world. And the President's steady leadership is vital to how we wage the war on terrorism.

Which one do you think would win the Loebner Prize (i.e., pass the Turing Test)?

ntodd  ¶ 5:05 PM