Kanye West has already fulfilled at least one current job requirement for being president of the United States — producing tweets that provoke confusion and controversy among the American public. But West still hasn’t cracked one essential measure of support: An endorsement from a member of Congress.
“Rappers are not normally in the sweet spot for my endorsement,” House Freedom Caucus chairman Mark Meadows told THE WEEKLY STANDARD on Wednesday morning.
And Florida Republican Brian Mast responded with a firm “no” when asked if the rapper had his vote. “I’ve never been a fan of most of the things that I hear come out of his mouth,” Mast explained. But the congressman added that Americans from all walks of life can run for office: “That’s the system that we have. Nobody is born into this.”
“Maybe he’ll go out there and show that he has some great things and some great ideas and some great leadership to offer. But I’m not going to hold my breath,” said Mast.
Buried in a series of vague posts ranging from missives on love, his deal with Adidas, and upcoming music, West on Tuesday night reaffirmed his plans to run for president in 2024. He has also been vocally supportive of President Trump and policies that lean to the right.
You don’t have to agree with trump but the mob can’t make me not love him. We are both dragon energy. He is my brother. I love everyone. I don’t agree with everything anyone does. That’s what makes us individuals. And we have the right to independent thought.
— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) April 25, 2018
West has no political experience, but that hasn’t put a damper on his plans. On Wednesday morning, he took to referring to himself as “your future president” and pledged to “change the name of the plane from Air Force one to Yeezy force one.” Having initially announced in 2015 that he would run for president in 2020, West first pushed back his campaign plans after meeting with Trump last December. Now he seems committed to 2024, but he might have trouble gaining traction from Republicans in Congress.
Even though Trump himself was late to win a congressional endorsement—Rep. Chris Collins of New York became the first in February 2016—a lack of support in Congress is a serious obstacle. Another challenge West faces is his lack of name recognition in the halls of the U.S. Capitol.
“Um… Who is that?” came Texas Republican Randy Weber’s earnest response when asked whether he would support the 21-time GRAMMY winner for the 2024 GOP nomination.
And Rep. Thomas Massie similarly hesitated at the mention of West, saying that he doesn’t own a TV, nor could he point out a picture of the rapper if asked to do so.
“He should maybe come to Congress first,” suggested Massie.
