CNN political analyst Elex Michaelson countered criticisms from left-wing Los Angeles mayoral hopeful Nithya Raman, who expressed disapproval over AI-created campaign videos circulating online in favor of Spencer Pratt.
Raman voiced her concerns, noting, “My husband works in Hollywood, and using AI videos to promote your campaign in a city that’s the heart of our entertainment industry feels like a significant slight to workers throughout this area.”
In response, Michaelson remarked, “He would argue that he’s merely sharing other people’s AI videos, which isn’t an accurate portrayal of his actions.”
Raman’s comments addressed a surge of AI-generated videos that cast both her and the current Mayor, Karen Bass, in a negative light, while boosting Pratt’s campaign. Although Pratt’s campaign did not produce these videos, he has shared several on his official X account, amplifying their reach.
This issue arises as Pratt’s campaign gains traction in the Los Angeles mayoral contest, as indicated by a recent Emerson College poll released on Wednesday. The poll shows Bass leading with 30% support, Pratt following with 22%, and Raman in third with 19%.
Conducted from May 9–10, the Emerson poll highlights increased backing for all three contenders as undecided voters begin making their decisions ahead of the June 2 primary election.
“Nithya Raman started this race with high expectations, but she continues to fall short — with the debate a stark example of her not being up to the job and this poll shows Angelenos recognize that,” a Bass campaign spokesperson told The California Post.
One of the most widely shared AI videos transforms Pratt into a Batman-style superhero tasked with rescuing a dystopian Los Angeles from the Democratic establishment, with Bass depicted as a Joker-like villain.
The blockbuster-inspired clip has drawn major attention online as Pratt’s outsider campaign continues gaining traction in the final weeks before the election.
