[Pang D.] Opinion About Kanye West’s President Run

The West Brief

After concluding his campaign in November 2020, the multi-talented Kanye West suggested he may run again for the presidential election in 2024. Despite a low 66,000 vote count in the 2020 Election, West proved that he was not short of self-confidence. According to his Candidate Financial Summary of the Federal Election Commission, West spent US$12.5 million and raised US$2 million. He hinted at participating in the 2024 presidential election with a KANYE 2024 tweet after conceding his campaign in November 2020. Recently, West revealed in September 2022 that political aspirations remained firmly in his heart. This article reviews the presidential ambition and potential of Kanye West.

Political Motivation

The presidential ambition of Kanye West stems from this overarching political motivation to free the world from suffering and discrimination. Amidst his high-rolling lifestyle and pursuit of freedom, West came from a humble and challenging background. His property empire ranges from his modest Chicago childhood home to a $4.5 million Hidden Hills estate in California. Take a glimpse into the diverse property portfolio and childhood and adolescence of Kanye West. His eventful upbringing and property venture might play a part in the motivation to lead people to break free from poverty. He is also motivated by how former president, Donald Trump, can turn his business leadership and influence into leading the nation. Seeing how people wanted Oprah Winfrey, the celebrated talk show host, to join the presidential race gives him further impetus that candidates outside the political circle have the potential. Intrinsically, West believes in leading the vulnerable demographic in educational and vocational paths to fulfilling careers. In 2021, West established Donda Academy, a Christian-based private prep school of pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade, in Simi Valley, California. He named the academy after his later mother, Professor Donda West, for her dedication to education. The academy aims to equip students with a progressive curriculum with critical thinking to prepare them for adulthood and leadership roles. However, there are ambiguities surrounding the academy, notably the lack of curriculum details and the odd requirement for parents to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs).

“We came into a broken world. And we’re the cleanup crew.”

– Kanye West

Money and Fame

With a successful music career and business ventures, his presidential run is probably not driven by financial gain. Moreover, campaign runs require a substantial investment of time and budget. Cynics may regard West as a narcissist who craves fame and attention for his abilities. His tendency to engage in promotional stunts and brush against laws points to a fondness for publicity, good and bad. However, people tend to associate controversial and flamboyant personalities with ill-favored traits for leadership roles. Naturally, people are likely to cast their support for candidates who have a political background and community contribution. The larger-than-life personality of West inevitably overshadows his political foray. People tend to think eccentric candidates who lack traditional leadership traits are not suitable to be the president. To realize his potential and assure the public, West can utilize his artistic and eloquent skills to balance toeing the line of social norms while engaging in freedom of expression.

The God Calling

West formed an independent political party named Birthday Party to participate in the 2020 presidential campaign. He reckoned it is the birthday of everybody should the party win the election. He believed God was calling him to lead the nation to a free world and his presidential endeavor was a service to God. In recent years, West rebranded himself as a Christian awakener with religious enlightenment. Perhaps he can mellow down and connect with people on faith and inner strength with community outreach programs. Supporters and the public suggested West can attempt a more realistic political post to gain essential experience first. He can take the initiative to run for a state governor first. Instead of relying on divine intervention, it is more rational to work on acquiring political experience and influencing the people. West can take a leaf from the late Ronald Reagan, the 40th United States president (1981 to 1989), who was the California governor before becoming the president.

“I am God’s vessel. But my greatest pain in life is that I will never be able to see myself perform live.”

Kanye West

Presidential Platform

His 2020 presidential platform greets visitors with a portrait of a peaceful dove, which symbolizes freedom and harmony. The welcome message narrates that faith has the potential to heal the current generation and bring people to live in unity. The future has love and peace, which free people from sins and discrimination. He believes God will help everyone to create a better tomorrow with love and harmony. There is a short video of children from Yeezy Christian Academy (YCA) banding together to give a united voice to a better future for everyone. A speech video from West focuses on families being the backbone for healing the past and present and building a brighter future. In addition, a full podcast interview in Joe Rogan Experience provides viewers with a deeper understanding of West’s ideals and his underlying motivation.

Subsequently, the platform outlines ten ideals to attain his vision of freeing the world from suffering and discrimination. Coming from the music industry and as a successful artiste, he believes artistry and creativity can be motivational bases to promote social equality and develop national strengths further. Overall, the platform outlines his political vision with inspiring ideals that concisely encompass national issues. Moving forward, West can substantiate these ideals by implementing grassroots projects that focus on reaching these ideals. Grassroots projects with social and community reforms foster a commitment to building a better future. Fostering a rapport with people from local communities and working together from the grassroots level provides an opportunity to connect with the people gradually. Time will reveal West’s effort to fulfill each ideal and align them to attain the overarching vision.

Horizon On 2024

Though with quirky traits, independent candidates are relatively common in the US presidential elections. The public may view them as mockeries, while others may connect with them with common motivations. In the 1992 election, business magnate Ross Perot achieved 19% of the popular vote, a historical feat that influenced subsequent presidential campaigns. Though he did not win the election, Perot captured the hearts of voters with his exemplary efforts to unite socially conservative and moderate ideologies. As an independent candidate, West garnered support from fans, artistes, media personalities, business leaders, and political leaders.

Hence, there is an anticipation in national politics to witness his ability to turn this influence into serious campaign supporters and subsequent nods of approval. From ranting tactlessly to raising serious national concerns to associating with political heavyweights, the Billboard article A Timeline of Kanye West Getting Political provides an overview of his political venture. While understating West’s actions and intentions, his questionable behaviors and constant controversies generate further doubts about his credibility. Can West leverage his achievements and future efforts to influence the public’s opinions and drive his political foray? Time will tell, but he needs to assemble a wise team to lay the foundation first.

Author Credit: Dexter Pang: Article Content Writer and Company Profile Writer
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