Is Kanye West a good candidate for President?
Fact Box
- According to the Constitution, a presidential candidate must be a natural-born citizen of the United States, a resident for 14 years, and at least 35 years of age.
- Donald Trump was the oldest president at the date of inauguration, 70 years and 220 days. John F. Kennedy was the youngest elected president at 43 years and 236 days, however, Theodore Roosevelt became the youngest president, 42 years and 322 days, after McKinley’s untimely death.
- Kanye West announced he was running for president on July 4, 2020. He has forfeited 225 Electoral College votes because of missed deadlines to file in several states with the required number of signatures.
- As of August 17, Kanye West has qualified to appear on Utah’s ballot as an unaffiliated presidential candidate.
- West has said since 2015 that he would make a run for the presidency in 2020.
Noah (Yes)
Kanye West is an excellent Presidential candidate for several reasons. He has demonstrated the guts to run for national office, while others have shown a fear to put themselves on the line politically by throwing their hat into the ring. Kanye will energize millions of young black voters who historically have stayed away from the ballot box. He will introduce the importance of voting to an entirely new generation. Both Kanye and his future First Lady, Kim Kardashian, were instrumental in bringing both sides of the aisle together to pass the Criminal Justice Reform Act, a major political accomplishment in these days of hyperpartisanship.
Kanye is a famous artist and producer, but has a proven track record of major success outside of music. As a fashion designer, he collaborated with Nike, Louis Vuitton, and A.P.C. on clothing and footwear, and was the fuel behind the Yeezy collaboration with Adidas. He is also the founder and head of the entertainment-related creative content company DONDA, named after his mother. Don't underestimate Kanye West. He is a national figure with something to say. He is used to the limelight and motivates many people to follow his successes in life. We will need a major figure on the stump to provide creative economic solutions once the pandemic recedes. Kanye West is courageous, accomplished, and bright. He can make this divisive Presidential campaign a decisive one.
Julian (No)
Kanye West is unfit for office for many reasons, but partly, and considerably, for the fact he has uncontrolled bipolar disorder. He would be unable to be as good a presidential candidate as he is an artist. Last month, he claimed his family tried to '51/50' him—51/50, referring to involuntary psychiatric hospitalization. While there is no evidence his family took such action, Kanye tweeted this information himself and later deleted it. Additionally, he publicly broke down in tears during his first presidential rally after going on a bizarre rant. Being President of the United States is an extremely demanding and stressful job. It should not be filled by someone who's own psychiatric issues are not being well-handled.
Additionally, he allegedly committed election fraud. Not only was he able to file to be on the ballot for just ten states (he waited too long), but two states found the majority of the signatures used for his presidential petitions were invalid. This is either due to the names being obtained by not telling people what they were signing or by putting down fake signatures such as 'Burnie Sanders' or 'Mickey Mouse.' Can we trust someone who can't even correctly run for election with the land's highest office?
Finally, he isn't actually trying to become president; he is trying to siphon off votes from Joe Biden. When reporters asked if his election was solely to spoil Joe Biden's campaign, Kanye replied, 'I'm not going to argue with you.' Why should someone who isn't seriously considering their own presidential campaign be regarded as a serious candidate?
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