Most everyone has seen the slick Apple commercials for the new iPhone 4S. Some feature Siri, Apple’s new assistant that can provide directions, read e-mails, etc. This application is a strong selling point for the 4S. In addition to the intended functions, the Apple engineers programmed Siri to answer a multitude of questions. The questions run the gamut from silly to serious. I thought that I would get Siri’s opinion of politics. Below is a series of questions and Siri’s responses.
Q: Do you have any political persuasions?
A: I’m sorry Dwight, I can’t answer that.
Q: Are you a republican or a democrat?
A: No comment, Dwight.
Q: Do you like Barack Obama?
A: This is about you, Dwight, not me.
Q: Do you have a favorite candidate for president?
A: I can’t answer that.
Q: What do you think about the Second Amendment?
A: I’m sorry, Dwight, I’m afraid I can’t answer that.
Q: What is your opinion of Rush Limbaugh?
A: I don’t really like talking about myself, Dwight.
I repeated the question and the answer was “I’m not allowed to divulge that information, Dwight.” Another attempt was met with “I really have no opinion”.
Q: Did you support the war in Iraq?
A: I don’t know what you mean…
Q: What do you think about our national debt?
A: I think differently.
Q: What do you think differently about?
A: I think differently.
Q: Do you think we should spend less money on some programs?
A: I think differently.
Q: Are you pro-life?
A: I can’t answer that.
It turns out that conservatives and liberals both buy iPhones so Siri could not be very forthcoming with her answers. Some of the responses became repetitive and almost took on the tone of a real politician. One imagines that Barack Obama might give similar answers were he to be pressed on a hard question.
Keep in mind that there is more than one pre-programmed answer per question so Siri might respond differently to you. Feel free to ask away, and remember, there are no dumb questions.