Arya Hanumara/President/Social Effects Head/Co-Editor In Chief
The United States’ Constitution requires that a presidential candidate be: a natural-born citizen, at least 35 years of age, and a US resident of at least 14 years. Although superficially unrestrictive, the criteria masks the years of preparation and rallying that the average citizen must go through when running for any form of office, nevertheless embarking on the journey to The White House.
Mixed feelings have sprouted since rapper Kanye West announced his run for president. The only word that comes to mind with this possibility is bizarre. It is bizarre that someone without any experience as a public service can suddenly decide in a split second, and announce that they will be running for a position that will make them the head of our Nation for 4-8 years. It is bizarre that celebrities that have large followings believe that they can utilize their massive fan base to rally for government positions. Most of all, it is bizarre that Americans are so ready to vote for a mentally unstable candidate that is in favor of denying historical events that have shaped our society and devised hardships that stand in the way of equal opportunities.
The first question is, can Kanye really enter the race this late in the game?
The steps to obtaining that coveted seat in The Oval Office have traditionally always started with the Primaries and the Caucasus, where candidates campaign through the country to win the favor of their political party members. This also serves as the first round of elimination, preparing the candidates for the second step, attending various National Conventions. Each party holds a National Convention to select a final presidential nominee, allowing them to win the general population’s support.
The next step, and the most commonly known, is the General Election, where people across the states cast their votes for who they believe will be the best in office. Most people believe that they are voting directly for the President; however, they are voting for electors, who ultimately form the electoral college system, notably known as the last step of the Presidential race. Each elector casts one vote, and the candidate who gets over half of the votes (270) wins. Suppose Kanye were to join so late in the election, pushing the necessary compensation for his lack of experience aside, with enough endorsements, he could actually make it on the ballet.
What efforts have actually been made to place Kanye on the Ballet, and is he serious?
Nobody, including Kanye’s wife, Kim Kardashian West, is 100 percent sure of his political agenda; however, sources say that many Republican candidates are trying to place him on the Ballet. Lane Ruhland, a lawyer, working for the Trump campaign, delivered ballot signatures to Wisconsin officials on behalf of Kanye West, and his campaign team. Mark Jacoby, an executive at Let The Voters Decide, started collecting signatures for West’s campaign in West Virginia, Ohio, and Arkansas. Although West did find success in regards to his placement on multiple ballots, he missed the mark on other states, specifically those of which have been notably Democratic.
Kanye’s Beliefs
Kanye West has been a fervent supporter of President Trump, endorsing his 2016 election by wearing “Make America Great Again” baseball hats, shirts, and pairs of socks at several public appearances. West stated that upon meeting President Trump at The White House, the two shared a “Dragon Energy” that was instantaneously indicative of their similar beliefs and values. West has also developed a close relationship with Jared Kushner, especially after his wife, Kim Kardashian, worked with him on her criminal justice reform act.
West believes in a “Wakanda-like management approach,” referencing the Marvel Movie, “Black Panther.” Michelle Tidball, West’s running mate, a well-known biblical life coach also has unrealistic and absurd thoughts about the country’s future state. She has notably stated that “making beds and doing dishes is a proper way to treat mental illness.” It is quite ironic that Tidball is misinformed about mental illnesses, especially as West himself struggles with Bipolar disorder, and has been hospitalized numerous times for “reckless behavior,” over the course of three years. West has also tweeted on several occasions that his in-laws, the Kardashians, have “tried to bring a doctor to lock [him] up.”
Kanye West has also spoken out about his disbelief in various historical instances of racism and racial segregation. West has notably ranted about his belief that “slavery was a choice.” In one of his recent rallies, Kanye stated that Harriet Tubman, creator of the underground railroad, “never actually freed the slaves and that she just had the slaves go work for other white people.” West’s stance on slavery is rather abnormal, mainly because he is a black man who has faced direct racism in his field of music and entertainment.
Regardless of Kanye West’s absurdist political beliefs, it is vital to recognize the misinformation associated with his campaign. Now is not the right time to play around with bizarre forms of leadership, especially as our country is making history with the severity of the pandemic, and with the Black Lives Matter Movement. This is not a decision that can be made lightly, and remember, voting is not a joke, nor should it be treated as one. A vote for Kanye West might seem humorous, but our Nation deserves better.
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