On Saturday, Kanye West took to Twitter and announced his intention to run for president of the United States in an election that is less than four months away. Almost immediately, Elon Musk and Mark Cuban, celebrities in their own right, signified their approval and support of his aspirations. Whether or not West’s pledge will turn into a brief but legitimate campaign isn’t really the question. Fame, fortune, and popularity make an obvious breeding ground for political ambition. And that is enough of a problem.

Those who make a name for themselves in the worlds of entertainment or business are already well acquainted with the power of their own brand. After these individuals conquer other arenas, the political one can look rather enticing. And since politics has its own variety of celebrity, it can seem like a natural extension from one to the other. However, these goals are driven by little than more self-promotion. In the case of West, it is readily apparent.