- Question
What are the implications of Kanye West running for President?
On Saturday 4 July 2020, billionaire rapper Kanye West announced he was running for President. In a Tweet to his 29 million followers, West wrote: "We must now realize the promise of America by trusting God, unifying our vision and building our future. I am running for president of the United States! #2020VISION." This is not the first time West has announced a bid for Presidency. But many believe this time he plans to act on his plans. Little is known about his policy agenda, or what his election vision entails. So, what are the implications of Kanye running for office?
Kanye West will split the Democrat vote
This position holds that Kanye West's 2020 presidential run would split the Democratic vote. It argues that he would draw away a slice of traditional Democratic voters — appealing to young Black Democrats — reducing the party's chances and, some suggest, helping return Trump to office.
Kanye West will split the Republican vote
This position holds that Kanye West's presidential run would split the Republican vote. It argues that he would draw away a portion of Republican-leaning voters, reducing their overall share — the mirror image of the claim that he would instead hurt the Democrats.
There are no implications to Kanye West running for president
Kanye has said he will run for office before, without following through. And were Ye to run, with just four months to go before the election, it's too late for him to have any meaningful impact.