By Timothy Ojo
Kanye West on Saturday, said he is running for president in the 2020 US election, in a challenge to face off with President Donald Trump, someone he has always publicly supported on social media.
“We must now realize the promise of America by trusting God, unifying our vision and building our future,” West tweeted. “I am running for president of the United States! #2020VISION.”
With over 1.1 million likes and 509k retweets after he tweeted, there was a mix of reactions from fans and American citizens alike. With some giving their total support, some others believed he was trying to be funny.
One Twitter user particularly felt West needed psychological help: “Someone close to this man: GET HIM SOME HELP” @AmoneyResists tweeted.
While it is not out of place for West to want to be president, as per his freedom to vote and be voted for, he may however, be throwing tantrums, a trait not far-fetched from the eccentric musician.
West is known for using political statements to promote his music, and this looks like it is going to tow that line too.
For West to be considered a candidate with intentions to run for president, he needs to register with the Federal Election Commission and present a campaign platform, with just four months to the elections, he is almost not
He would also need to collect enough signatures to get on the November ballot and more. He has also missed the deadline to file as an independent candidate in majority of the states.
All these steps are what West hasn’t done yet. This further proves that the superstar rapper may just be playing pranks to promote a new musical album of his, a regular tactics he uses to endear his fans to his new music.
However, his tweet has garnered several positive responses to his cause, including the billionaire Elon Musk, CEO who responded to his tweet with: “You have my full support!”
This would not be the first time West has said he would run for president. He first mentioned it as far back as 2015, at the MTV Video Music Awards, ending his award acceptance speech by saying he would contest for the Presidency in 2020.
Though he changed his stance sometimes in January 2019, tweeting “2024”.
Again, West has come out to declare his intention to run for president, is this a timeless joke as is accustomed to him or is he going to meet the criteria soon? Time will tell.
