TRENTON, N.J. — Turns out all it took to top Watson, the “Jeopardy”-winning computer, was a rocket scientist. Rep. Rush Holt, D-N.J., beat the computer Monday night in a “Jeopardy”-style exhibition at a Washington hotel.
Holt said it was fun to beat the heralded IBM computer. But he also said it’s important that Americans realize the importance of math and science education. Holt built a lead in categories that included “Presidential Rhyme Time,” in which the correct response to “Herbert’s military strategy” was “Hoover’s maneuvers.” The congressman also correctly identified hippophobia as the fear of horses.
At the end of the round, Holt had earned $8,600 to Watson’s $6,200.
But Watson triumphed in later rounds against Reps. Nan Hayworth, R-N.Y.; Jim Himes, D-Conn.; and Jared Polis, D-Colo. Watson amassed $40,300 to the humans’ $30,000.
