(San Fransisco) Two days after attempting to fool the world with an AI-enhanced digital avatar of Mitch McConnell (R-KY), republicans are dropping the charade. The AI version of the Senator was seen in a two-minute video on Thursday walking the halls of Congress, greeting his family, and participating in a lightsaber duel with Darth Maul. The video was released to counter claims the missing Senator is dead, or in a vegetative state incompatible with life.

“Clearly this was a fake video,” said NPR analyst Ari Shapiro. “Republicans are trying to cover for whatever condition McConnell is in, and this was one more attempt to muddy the waters. Also, the lightsaber fight was clearly using pre-Death Star settings, and this was supposed to be filmed last week.”

Republicans say they are admitting the video was fake - and dropping the program - after their avatar began drafting and then attempting to pass legislation setting caps on insurance claim denials, and setting fixed prices for common medical procedures. While refusing to release the draft language, developers say Mitch McCAInnell was clearly acting in a manner unlike his totally alive counterpart. “We don’t feel the real Mitch would be interested in healthcare, so the model is messing up. It would be more appropriate if the model focused on the needs of the president, and on last minute attempts to avoid damnation.”

Republican voters, however, say they want more AI Mitch. Leo Sturbgetter, a cow detangler in Kentucky, said “I’m proud of my Senator keeping America safe from higher taxes and battle droids. If he wants to give us healthcare, let him do that too.”

Senator McConnell could not be reached by Ouija board for comment.