SAN FRANCISCO – Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) is encountering significant pushback from within her own party in San Francisco after she publicly criticized an artificial intelligence chatbot used by California state Senator Scott Wiener (D), a candidate vying to succeed her in Congress. Pelosi had labeled the chatbot, which targeted rival candidate San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan, as sexist and a "gross misuse of technology," but several prominent Democratic women are now challenging her characterization, calling the accusation "absurd."
"It feels like there's a lot of fake outrage about this chatbot" — Nancy Tung, San Francisco Democratic Party Chair
The controversy centers on an AI chatbot launched by Wiener's campaign, designed to engage with voters and highlight perceived weaknesses in Supervisor Chan's record, particularly on housing and development issues. The chatbot, which has since been removed, described itself as "the world's first AI trained to say no to anything you ask," a direct jab at Chan. Both Chan and Pelosi raised objections to responses generated by the chatbot, describing them as racist and sexist. Pelosi, who has officially endorsed Chan in the race for California's 11th congressional district, specifically accused Wiener's campaign of misusing AI by having the chatbot impersonate a female voice, stating it demonstrated a willingness to "erase women's agency."
Wiener promptly removed the chatbot, citing that the controversy had become a distraction from his campaign's core message. However, the decision did not quell the internal party dispute. Instead, it ignited further debate as several influential Democratic women in San Francisco publicly questioned Pelosi's strong condemnation.
Nancy Tung, Chair of the San Francisco Democratic Party, expressed skepticism regarding the severity of the accusations. "It feels like there's a lot of fake outrage about this chatbot," Tung told the San Francisco Chronicle, suggesting the dispute was being leveraged for political gain in the highly competitive congressional race. Tung added, "I suppose you know that's part of the political game – to put as favorable a slant as you want to for your own purposes for each campaign."
Susie Tompkins Buell, a prominent Democratic donor and women's advocate, went even further in her defense of Wiener and criticism of Pelosi. Buell unequivocally called Pelosi’s sexism accusation "totally absurd." Praising Wiener, Buell stated, "He is the most non-sexist, non-racist person," and added, "I don't know who would even say that." Buell also remarked that if Pelosi indeed made the accusation, "it was careless and not appropriate and not true." She questioned Pelosi's aggressive intervention in the race, stating, "Nobody can give a good answer of why she's doing this. It's just a mystery to so many people. Whatever it is, it is rooted in pettiness."
The backlash against Pelosi comes as women supporting Wiener planned a "Women for Scott" rally, signaling a clear division among Democratic factions in the city. Pelosi has maintained an active role in the contest to determine her successor, a seat she has held for decades. Her endorsement of Chan was pivotal in helping Chan advance through the primary and secure a spot in the general election against Wiener, who had long been considered a potential successor. Reports have indicated a tense relationship between Pelosi and Wiener, particularly after Wiener expressed interest in her seat before she announced her retirement.
Pelosi, during an August 11 Politico event, avoided directly criticizing Wiener, instead framing her support for Chan around the goal of increasing the number of women serving in Congress. Meanwhile, Chan's campaign pushed back against Wiener's supporters following the criticism of Pelosi. A campaign spokesperson stated, "It's sad that Scott Wiener's best answer to broad grassroots criticism of his campaign’s AI chatbot from women and people across San Francisco is to convene a rally to attack Speaker Pelosi."
Despite Pelosi's endorsement of his opponent, Wiener has continued to express public admiration for the former speaker. "I have tremendous respect for Speaker Emerita Pelosi and deep gratitude for everything she has done for our city and our country," Wiener said after Pelosi endorsed Chan. The unfolding drama underscores the complexities of intra-party dynamics, particularly when a long-serving incumbent's legacy and influence intersect with emerging political ambitions and technological advancements in campaigning. The November election will not only decide Pelosi's successor but also serve as a barometer for the evolving political landscape within one of the nation's most reliably Democratic districts.
