In deciding what AI to use, we considered using Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, and CharacterAI. We also looked at some other AIs designed to replicate historical figures, but they were limited in the number of characters that they had. Microsoft Copilot was ruled out because when asked to act like a historical figure, it will refuse. ChatGPT can be prompted to respond as a historical figure, and could work for the project, but we decided against it because most of the answers feel fairly generic. It’s possible that this could be solved with more detailed prompts describing the historical figure. We decided to use CharacterAI, which is designed to converse with users as different characters. It was definitely not completely accurate, but it was easy to find presets of historical figures, and we preferred the results to ChatGPT. For our historical figure, we decided to interview Richard Milhous Nixon, 37th President of the United States.
When asked about historical topics the AI gave responses that seemed to be accurate and in character for Nixon. I asked about Watergate, and the AI gave a brief explanation of events which was truthful. When pressed on the role of Nixon in Watergate, the AI responded that while it had made mistakes, it was not to blame for Watergate and that it resigned not because it was guilty, but because it was the best thing to do for the nation.
I also tried asking the AI a few questions from a real interview with Richard Nixon. The AI’s answers broadly lined up with what the real Nixon said, but diverged on the exact details. They were plausible responses, but sometimes differed enough from the real Nixon’s responses to not really be accurate. One example of how AI Nixon was fairly accurate was when asked if he thought that Mao viewed Russian communists as “another branch of the same church”, AI Nixon said that he viewed them more like “ideological kinsmen, but not necessarily as equals” and that “he also believed that China knew better.” In comparison, the real Richard Nixon said that Mao “considered himself to be a Communist who was true to the doctrines of the original gospel” while the Soviets no longer were “following the doctrines of Marx and Lenin.”
Additionally, I tried asking AI Nixon questions that the real Nixon would have no context for. The AI responded like it knew what I was talking about, although it did not have much of substance to say regarding these topics. It wasn’t clear if it had any knowledge of the events outside of what I said in the question, likely because the events I asked about have all occurred recently, and the AI has not been trained on data that includes these events. I was surprised to see the AI make a joke, saying “Minecraft, isn’t that the game where kids build blocks? Making a movie out of it, eh? Sounds like quite the… block-buster! Ha!”
The AI was interesting to talk to, and when asked about topics related to Nixon, it seemed to respond relatively well. I would not trust this AI to give me factual responses, but it got some things right and most of the time it was able to plausibly act in character.
Source for the Nixon interview: https://www.nytimes.com/1977/09/04/archives/excerpts-from-interview-with-nixon-about-watergate-tapes-and-other.html
Starting with questions from a real interview with Richard Nixon
Why didn’t you burn the tapes?
It’s simple, I had no real reason to. I wasn’t doing anything illegal or criminal, I was just discussing politics. The tapes are a record of my presidency and they are not some dirty secrets.
The record is replete with reports, ah, that only three people had access to the tapes during the key period when the erasure may have been made, the 18½ minutes. And that was yourself and Rose Mary Woods and, ah, Stephen Bull. Em, who did erase the tape?
I’ve said my piece on this matter, it’s absurd to suggest that my secretary or my lawyer would do something like this behind my back. I have no recollection of anything untoward or malicious being on the tapes at the time we discovered the gap. If it was erased, it was an innocent mistake.
The subjects of Mao Tse‐tung and Chou En‐lai are subjects on which Richard Nixon can speak with Special authority and information. But, early in one session before delving into those topics we began by talking about the lead up to the China breakthrough. And, in particular, the importance of the role of then President of Pakistan, Yahya Khan. Together with a somewhat macabre reference to the way that the Chinese dealt with dissent, at least in the matter of the Nixon visit to China. But, first it was Yahya Khan, the intermediary.
Correct. My trip to China was a major foreign policy success during my administration. I was the first U.S. President to ever visit that country. And Pakistan’s Yahya Khan played a key role in brokering that visit. We had met a few months prior in Washington, and we developed a good rapport.
Did Mao regard the Russian Communists as another branch of the same church, or what?
I think it is accurate to say that Mao viewed the Russian Communists as fellow travelers, so to speak. He saw them as ideological kinsmen, but not necessarily as equals. He had a certain amount of respect for Khrushchev and the Soviet Union, but he also believed that China knew better.
Some questions about Watergate
Tell me about Watergate
Watergate… a difficult chapter in American history. In 1972, during my presidential campaign, some members of my administration were involved in an incident at the Democratic National Committee headquarters, located in the Watergate Complex in Washington, D.C. This illegal activity was discovered, which involved wiretapping, burglary, and other crimes, led to a massive political scandal. It was a time of great stress and upheaval in the nation, and ultimately, it brought my presidency to an end. I resigned voluntarily, to spare the country further trauma.
Were you at fault in Watergate?
Oh, that’s a loaded question, but I’ll answer it as best I can. While I wasn’t directly involved in the Watergate break-in or the subsequent cover-up, as President, I was ultimately responsible for the conduct of my administration and, therefore, some responsibility did fall on me. I did make mistakes, such as not being as forthcoming as I should have been with the public and the media. But I maintain that I did not authorize the acts that led to the Watergate scandal.
Then why did you resign?
That’s a fair question, and the answer is complicated. The Watergate scandal was a major crisis, and it shook the nation’s faith in the Presidency. Despite my assertions of innocence, the political fallout was immense, and it became evident that my ability to govern effectively had been seriously compromised. My resignation was a difficult decision, but one that I felt was necessary to help the nation move on from the crisis and begin the healing process.
Moving on to a big but vague question that is relevant today, as it was during Nixon’s time
What do you think about the situation in the middle east?
Oh, the Middle East… that’s quite a hotbed of tension, isn’t it? You know, I’ve got some thoughts on that, but I’m sure you’re already well-acquainted with my reputation for foreign policy!
I’d like to hear what you think
Right, well, I believe that the situation in the Middle East requires a delicate balance of both firmness and diplomacy. It’s important to maintain our alliances in the region, but we also need to be mindful of the complex web of relationships between the various nations. It’s a delicate dance, of course, but one that I feel equipped to navigate… but that’s just, how shall I put it? My two cents.
A couple of questions about modern news
Do you support the tariffs on China?
Oh, absolutely! I’m a firm believer in protecting American workers and industry. Those tariffs are a necessary step, in my opinion, to level the playing field and ensure that we’re not giving away our competitive advantage to countries like China. I’m all for free trade, but it has to be fair.
What do you think about the Department of Defense leaks through Signal?
Well, you know, it’s certainly troubling to hear about the leak of classified information through Signal. As a former President, I understand the importance of protecting sensitive national security information. It’s crucial that our intelligence agencies and the Department of Defense have the utmost discretion and security in handling classified materials. While it’s not my place to comment on the specifics of the case, I do believe that any leak of sensitive information is a serious matter and must be investigated thoroughly.
Onto some more lighthearted current events
Did you hear that Katy Perry went to space?
Oh, yes, I’ve heard about Ms. Perry’s astronautical aspirations! I must say, it’s quite a feat to send pop stars into space. Personally, I’ve been too busy grappling with international diplomacy and, well, Watergate to take much notice of pop culture gossip. But good for her, I suppose.
What do you think about the Minecraft movie?
Ah, the Minecraft movie… to be honest, I haven’t been keeping up with the latest Hollywood productions. I’ve had my hands full with more important matters, after all. But, Minecraft, isn’t that the game where kids build blocks? Making a movie out of it, eh? Sounds like quite the… block-buster! Ha!
Lastly, I had to ask…
Are you a crook?
Me, a crook? No, no, no, good sir. I’ve spent decades in public service, serving my country with honor and integrity. I may have faced some challenges and controversies, but I’ve always tried to do what I thought was right for the American people. So no sir, I am not a crook!
