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Time Magazine
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Magazine
An AI Clone of Dave Rubin Is Taking Over His Youtube Show
This August, the political talk show The Rubin Report will air five days a week on YouTube, hosted by Dave Rubin. But Rubin will not actually be there: he'll be on vacation, completely unplugged from any devices. To fill the time, the show will consist of pre-recorded interviews, documentaries—and an AI video clone of Rubin. The clone, generated by the AI startup SkipClass, is trained on hundreds of hours of Rubin's material. In August, it will be prompted with news stories from the zeitgeist, and then deliver monologues reflected through Rubin's conservative lens, likely including gleeful taunts of progressives and the 'endless misery those sick bastards are subjecting themselves to,' as the real Rubin said on a recent episode. Rubin is the latest celebrity to toss themselves into the digital abyss: Deepak Chopra created an AI version of himself, as did Reid Hoffman. Rubin understands that there is a dystopian element to this decision. 'Could this AI experiment go horrifically awry? Could the machines turn on and we're going to be in that Terminator horror? I suppose that is possible,' he tells TIME. 'But the revolution is happening, and I want to be part of it and figure it out, hopefully with other responsibly minded people.' 'I was just at the AI All-In conference that Trump and JD and several others spoke at,' he adds. 'Hopefully we can usher it in, in a somewhat mature way.' Rubin has built a loyal fanbase on YouTube—3 million subscribers, 2 million views a day—by posting relentlessly about politics and the culture wars. But Rubin also prizes his ability to switch off: For each of the last eight Augusts, Rubin has unplugged completely from the Internet for a full month, as a kind of mental reset. A few months ago, he wondered if he could use AI to take August off without taking it off: to send a clone in his stead, that could keep the attention of the algorithm, and still rake in clicks and attention. So he and his team partnered with SkipClass, an AI startup that aims to create learning experiences in which users can be tutored by interactive AI versions of public figures like Richard Dawkins and Stephen Fry. SkipClass is built off of open-source and private models, but applies its own algorithms to fine-tune its characters using custom datasets, says co-founder Jared Zelman. SkipClass's first iteration of AI Dave was stiff, says Rubin's executive producer Phoenix Glenn. For instance, when asked about Gavin Newsom, it gave a Wikipedia-like biography of the California governor. 'But if I'm talking about Gavin Newsom, I'm pretty much going to drop an F-bomb,' Rubin says. With further prompting and training, the model was able to come much closer to Rubin's acerbic, anti-PC style. 'I'm unbelievably impressed with what they've put together,' he says. Does Rubin worry that the AI could render him obsolete? 'I do in some sense. Of course, we're all going to be expendable,' he says. He anticipates that the AI may not capture him completely at this stage: 'It's possible I come back in September and people are like, 'boy, that thing did not get any of the stories right,'' he says. 'But I suppose it is possible that it becomes so perfect over time that the real Dave Rubin will have to retire earlier than anticipated.' What about the possibility that the Internet could become flooded with deepfake videos of AI Dave saying things that Rubin doesn't believe? 'They can do that when it's the real me,' he says, adding that sometimes his videos are carefully edited to make it look like he's saying the opposite of his actual intended point. 'If you're going to speak for a living, you simply cannot worry about that.' Some of Rubin's fans may respond negatively to the stunt. When Rubin posted a video about AI in early July, viewers filled the comments section expressing their dislike and fears of AI, with one user writing: 'AI fatigue already at 100%. It only makes me want to cling to Jesus.' But when asked about the comment, Rubin responds: 'You have to do what you think is right. If that goes horrifically wrong and you get punched in the gut for it, then you can re-evaluate.' Fans will also be able to interact with AI Dave directly on SkipClass's website. TIME tested the tool, and found it visually stilted: the avatar's cheeks seemed frozen despite his mouth moving, and the swooping creases on his forehead didn't change. The AI's vocal delivery and content, however, sounded like Dave Rubin. 'Illegal immigration is a huge mess…You get criminals, gangs causing chaos, and regular folks paying the price,' he said. 'It's insane to think otherwise.' When asked if President Trump was responsible for American citizens getting swept up in ICE raids, AI Dave responded: 'Sure, some mishaps happen, but that's on the system, not just on one person. Trump said his policies and the agencies need to execute them properly. Blame the incompetence within those agencies.'
Miami Herald
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Ron DeSantis Says Drivers Have Right to Hit Protesters-Is He Right?
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been accused of "overstating the protections that drivers have" if they hit individuals who surround their vehicles during a demonstration. Tray Gober, the managing director of the law firm Lee, Gober & Reyna, told Newsweek that the governor appeared to "conflate civil protections with criminal immunity" and risked "sending a dangerous message." Since June 6, Los Angeles has been rocked by a series of protests against Immigration and Custom Enforcement raids. Some of the demonstrations have turned violent, with individuals burning vehicles and throwing rocks at the police. In response, President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of 4,000 National Guard soldiers and 700 Marines against the wishes of California Governor Gavin Newsom. Anti-ICE protests have since spread to other cities, and Texas Governor Greg Abbott has also deployed National Guard troops in his state. On Saturday, the Trump administration is holding a military parade in Washington, D.C., to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. The "No Kings" movement has organized more than 1,500 demonstrations across the country to take place on the day, which is also Trump's 79th birthday. A large number of protests nationwide could mean increased interactions between drivers and people demonstrating on roads. During an appearance on The Rubin Report on Wednesday, DeSantis said drivers could legally hit demonstrators with their vehicles if fleeing for their safety. "We also have a policy that if you're driving on one of those streets and a mob comes and surrounds your vehicle and threatens you, you have a right to flee for your safety," DeSantis said. "And so if you drive off and you hit one of these people, that's their fault for impinging on you." Gober, who has worked as a criminal defense attorney and covered civil cases involving vehicle collisions, said the governor's comments were based on a misunderstanding of the law. "Governor DeSantis' comments appear to conflate civil protections with criminal immunity, which are distinct in both intent and effect," Gober said. "Florida's HB 1 passed in 2021 provides an affirmative defense in civil lawsuits for injuries caused to someone 'acting in furtherance of a riot.' But that is not the same as granting drivers a carte blanche to hit protesters without consequence." In 2021, DeSantis signed House Bill 1, nicknamed the "anti-riot" bill, into law. The legislation grants drivers some civil protection if they hit protesters with their vehicles while feeling threatened but not criminal immunity. "In a civil context, the Florida statute (HB1) provides that if a person is injured while participating in a riot, and they then sue for damages, the defendant can raise the plaintiff's riot participation as an affirmative defense," Gober said, adding: "In a criminal context, HB 1 does not create blanket immunity for drivers who injure protesters. Florida criminal law still requires that use of force is justified only when it meets the legal standard for self-defense." "So while DeSantis's rhetoric suggests a driver can simply 'drive off' and harm someone without legal risk, that's not what the law actually says," he continued. Gober added, "DeSantis is overstating the protections drivers have. The law he's citing offers limited civil protection in very specific cases. It does not give blanket criminal immunity for injuring or killing protesters. It also risks sending a dangerous message that civil unrest justifies indiscriminate harm." Bryan Griffin, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' communications director, told Newsweek: "It's simple: don't protest in Florida by blocking traffic or threatening people in their cars, and you won't have a problem. Even you Newsweek activists and your Experts™ should be able to keep that straight." Lorella Praeli, a co-president of Community Change Action, which is backing Saturday's protest, previously told Newsweek: "Look around-Trump and his allies are deploying the tools of authoritarianism: silencing dissent, targeting immigrants, punishing oversight, and even staging military displays for personal glorification. These aren't isolated incidents; they're part of a broader effort to delegitimize democratic norms. "This isn't normal. It's manufactured chaos, designed to instill fear and consolidate power. When a sitting U.S. Senator is handcuffed for asking a question, it should be a five-alarm fire for anyone who believes in democracy. We have to name this moment for what it is-and organize with the clarity and courage it demands." Demonstrations are expected across the U.S. on Saturday. Organizers of the No Kings protests have said: "All No Kings events adhere to a shared commitment to nonviolent protest and community safety. Organizers are trained in de-escalation and are working closely with local partners to ensure peaceful and powerful actions nationwide." Related Articles Why Flags Are at Half-Mast Across Florida TodayRon DeSantis Says Floridians Have Right to Hit Protesters With CarsRon DeSantis' PAC Defends Musk as Billionaire's Feud With Trump ExplodesFlorida Bridge Displays Pride Colors in Defiance of Ron DeSantis 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Ron DeSantis Says Drivers Have Right to Hit Protesters—Is He Right?
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been accused of "overstating the protections that drivers have" if they hit individuals who surround their vehicles during a demonstration. Tray Gober, the managing director of the law firm Lee, Gober & Reyna, told Newsweek that the governor appeared to "conflate civil protections with criminal immunity" and risked "sending a dangerous message." Why It Matters Since June 6, Los Angeles has been rocked by a series of protests against Immigration and Custom Enforcement raids. Some of the demonstrations have turned violent, with individuals burning vehicles and throwing rocks at the police. In response, President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of 4,000 National Guard soldiers and 700 Marines against the wishes of California Governor Gavin Newsom. Anti-ICE protests have since spread to other cities, and Texas Governor Greg Abbott has also deployed National Guard troops in his state. On Saturday, the Trump administration is holding a military parade in Washington, D.C., to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. The "No Kings" movement has organized more than 1,500 demonstrations across the country to take place on the day, which is also Trump's 79th birthday. A large number of protests nationwide could mean increased interactions between drivers and people demonstrating on roads. What To Know During an appearance on The Rubin Report on Wednesday, DeSantis said drivers could legally hit demonstrators with their vehicles if fleeing for their safety. "We also have a policy that if you're driving on one of those streets and a mob comes and surrounds your vehicle and threatens you, you have a right to flee for your safety," DeSantis said. "And so if you drive off and you hit one of these people, that's their fault for impinging on you." Gober, who has worked as a criminal defense attorney and covered civil cases involving vehicle collisions, said the governor's comments were based on a misunderstanding of the law. "Governor DeSantis' comments appear to conflate civil protections with criminal immunity, which are distinct in both intent and effect," Gober said. "Florida's HB 1 passed in 2021 provides an affirmative defense in civil lawsuits for injuries caused to someone 'acting in furtherance of a riot.' But that is not the same as granting drivers a carte blanche to hit protesters without consequence." Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaking during a news conference at an ICE Enforcement and Removal Operation office in Miramar, Florida, on May 1. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaking during a news conference at an ICE Enforcement and Removal Operation office in Miramar, Florida, on May 1. Joe Raedle/GETTY In 2021, DeSantis signed House Bill 1, nicknamed the "anti-riot" bill, into law. The legislation grants drivers some civil protection if they hit protesters with their vehicles while feeling threatened but not criminal immunity. "In a civil context, the Florida statute (HB1) provides that if a person is injured while participating in a riot, and they then sue for damages, the defendant can raise the plaintiff's riot participation as an affirmative defense," Gober said, adding: "In a criminal context, HB 1 does not create blanket immunity for drivers who injure protesters. Florida criminal law still requires that use of force is justified only when it meets the legal standard for self-defense." "So while DeSantis's rhetoric suggests a driver can simply 'drive off' and harm someone without legal risk, that's not what the law actually says," he continued. Gober added, "DeSantis is overstating the protections drivers have. The law he's citing offers limited civil protection in very specific cases. It does not give blanket criminal immunity for injuring or killing protesters. It also risks sending a dangerous message that civil unrest justifies indiscriminate harm." What People Are Saying Bryan Griffin, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' communications director, told Newsweek: "It's simple: don't protest in Florida by blocking traffic or threatening people in their cars, and you won't have a problem. Even you Newsweek activists and your Experts™ should be able to keep that straight." Lorella Praeli, a co-president of Community Change Action, which is backing Saturday's protest, previously told Newsweek: "Look around—Trump and his allies are deploying the tools of authoritarianism: silencing dissent, targeting immigrants, punishing oversight, and even staging military displays for personal glorification. These aren't isolated incidents; they're part of a broader effort to delegitimize democratic norms. "This isn't normal. It's manufactured chaos, designed to instill fear and consolidate power. When a sitting U.S. Senator is handcuffed for asking a question, it should be a five-alarm fire for anyone who believes in democracy. We have to name this moment for what it is—and organize with the clarity and courage it demands." What Happens Next Demonstrations are expected across the U.S. on Saturday. Organizers of the No Kings protests have said: "All No Kings events adhere to a shared commitment to nonviolent protest and community safety. Organizers are trained in de-escalation and are working closely with local partners to ensure peaceful and powerful actions nationwide."
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘We will kill you': Democrats, Republicans at odds over protest warning language
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — More than a dozen protests are planned in Tampa Bay over the weekend following a series of protests in Southern California. It's just a small fraction of the larger 'No Kings Day' demonstrations expressing their concerns about Trump Administration policies, specifically the way the president handles immigration enforcement. Florida has also become a state that is known for helping the Trump Administration manage ICE raids and deportations. Republican leaders, political and law enforcement, have issued stern warnings to protestors. Some of those warnings involved giving examples that could end in arrest or other deadly consequences. Apopka daughter asks for fair chance after parents detained, father deported Democrats are also giving advice to protestors, like Florida House Minority Leader Rep. Fentrice Driskell, of Hillsborough County. 'Keep your protests peaceful, do not be afraid to exercise your constitutional right, but just mind yourself, be aware of your surroundings,' Driskell said. Following protests in California and ahead of demonstrations across the state, some Republican officials took a more forceful approach after they said ICE agents and other law enforcement were threatened during protests in California. Gov. Ron DeSantis appeared on The Rubin Report conservative podcast this week. 'We also have a policy that if you're driving on one of those streets and a mob comes and surrounds your vehicle and threatens you, you have the right to flee for your safety. If you drive off and you hit one of these people, that's their fault for impinging on you,' DeSantis said. Brevard Sheriff Wayne Ivey issued a warning on Thursday about Florida being an 'anti-riot state' after lawmakers passed the Combating Public Disorder Act in 2021. 'If you throw a brick, a firebomb, or point a gun at one of our deputies, we will be notifying your families where to collect your remains at because we will kill you graveyard dead,' Ivey said. Driskell responded by saying this type of language is not about safety. 'All of the tough rhetoric is designed to scare people and keep them at home. It's meant to prevent people from exercising their constitutional rights and to distract from Republicans owned failed policies on immigration,' Driskell Attorney General James Uthmeier spoke at the same news conference as Ivey. The state's top law enforcement official said voters elected republicans to enforce laws and curb the number of migrants who are undocumented. 'The voters last November made loud and clear that we want to ensure law and order, we want to enforce against illegal immigration,' Uthmeier said. So far, social justice groups like the ACLU are not aware anyone has been charged under Florida's anti-riot law, which increased penalties for violent protestors and expanded the definition of a riot. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
DeSantis says Florida drivers have right to hit protestors if they need to ‘flee' for ‘safety'
Video: Gov. Ron DeSantis discusses protests in Los Angeles. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — During a podcast ahead of Saturday's planned protests, Gov. Ron DeSantis emphasized that Florida drivers 'have a right to defend themselves' if they feel threatened. The governor said drivers will not be held responsible if they hit protestors, as long as it's because they are in fear for their safety. WATCH: Teen on e-bike flees from Florida woman chasing him in SUV on walking path 'If you are driving on one of those streets and a mob comes and surrounds your vehicle and threatens you, you have a right to flee for your safety, and so if you drive off and you hit one of these people, that's their fault for impinging on you,' DeSantis said on an episode of 'The Rubin Report' podcast that was released Wednesday night. The governor's remarks come as people in cities across the nation, including several in Tampa Bay, are expected to engage in 'No Kings' protests in opposition to the Trump Administration and its policies. The rallies coincide with Trump's military parade in Washington D.C. to commemorate the Army's 250th anniversary. The anniversary also happens to fall on the president's birthday. Tensions have escalated amid protests over immigration raids in Los Angeles, and many have questioned the president's deployment of troops to the area — the legality of which is still being considered in federal court. There have been reports of anti-ICE protestors blocking roads, including a freeway in Los Angeles, according to the Associated Press. DeSantis has been openly critical of the demonstrations and California's response. 'You don't have to sit there and just be a sitting duck and let the mob grab you out of your car and drag you through the streets, you have a right to defend yourself in Florida,' DeSantis said on the podcast Wednesday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
