FACTS
Kayne West announced on the Fourth of July that he will be running for president of the United States in the upcoming November election. Since he already missed the deadline in several states to be on the ballot as an independent candidate, he would have to be a write-in instead. Some say it is yet to be determined whether or not he is serious; another alleged source has said it is true. He has two endorsements so far: his wife, Kim Kardashian, and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
You have my full support!
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 5, 2020
OPINIONS
The Left views it as a move to detract from Biden’s support base, and many are urging voters not to jokingly vote for Kanye, who is a Trump supporter.
“Kanye West is obviously Trump’s desperation plan to take votes from Biden.
— Chip Franklin (@chipfranklin) July 5, 2020
This is like Biden convincing David Duke to run for President.
Hopefully Americans don’t fall for this disgusting trick.”
–@HKrassenstein
Keep your eyes on the prize.#VoteBiden #EndTheNightmare https://t.co/04POvLp0aK
Others have said they believe it to simply be a joke, with Chicago University political science professor Mark Hansen stating, “If West were serious about this, he would have had to have started a long time ago.” Columbia University professor Robert Y. Shapiro said that amid the nation’s current events, it’s the ideal time for a Black candidate to run – though he also doesn’t believe it’s serious.
Some have noted that “times have changed,” with Mike Muse pointing out that Trump was once similarly dismissed as a real potential candidate.
“With a built-in audience of millions and high name recognition among a key younger, urban demographic, West makes up in visibility and reach what he lacks in public policy and political experience, a profile that is not unlike his friend Trump’s pre-presidency.”
Gil Kaufman, Billboard media group
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