The West Effect | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

The West Effect

How Kanye Would Have Fared in Last Week's Democratic Debate

25
The West Effect
NYU Local News

At MTV’s Video Music Awards last August, the political world and the entertainment world came to a head-on collision as hip-hop superstar Kanye West belligerently announced his candidacy for the 2020 presidential election. It was a bold move by anyone’s standards, especially by one who admittedly made this decision stoned. Nonetheless, the two former diametrically opposite spectrums of entertainment and politics have met at the forefront of American society. By the looks of the current 2016 run for the White House, these two worlds are more in sync than ever- debates often serving as de facto rap battles, something West is probably quite familiar with. Exemplified by Donald Trump’s rise in the polls, it is clear that in order to gain the attention of today’s voter, one must harness the power of self-edification and peculiarity, something Kanye (self-proclaimed “Yeezus”) has by the barrel. Last week, the Democratic candidates for president took to the debate stage for a battle of their own. However, to many, this debate lacked certain flair, excitement, or maybe even “West-ness”. For that reason, let us imagine the difference that Kanye would have made had it been four years later. This practice, while based in absolute absurdity, may be fun nonetheless.

As the candidates take their respective podiums, front-runner Hillary Clinton is placed front and center. Self-proclaimed “Democratic Socialist” Bernie Sanders is to her left, and of course, Kanye West is to her right, baggie burlap suit and all. The candidates are asked to give a two-minute introduction speech, an upgrade from the 30 seconds given to candidates in the Republican debate. Just the right amount of time for Kanye to lay out his platform for higher taxes for the top 1% (which he is ironically a part of), less divide between the racial sectors of our society (remember what George Bush thinks about black people?), and the second verse of Through the Wire (because we all need to know more about his personal background).


As Anderson Cooper opens his line of questioning by asking Hillary Clinton if she will “say anything just to get elected”, Kanye raises an eyebrow. As Clinton bashes Sanders for not appealing to “capitalist ideals”, Kanye jumps in. His new clothing line, apparently inspired by the vogue trends occurring on planet Tatooine, prices garments in the $1,000 to $4,000 range. If he is not a believer in capitalism then I’m not sure who is. We might suspect that West would oppose Sanders’ free college tuition plan as well. A notable late registrar and subsequent college dropout may be sufficient evidence that a college degree is not an appropriate prerequisite for success. As far as foreign policy goes, Kanye might just plow over the field completely. When asked how he would deal with the equally stubborn and belligerent Vladimir Putin, West silently peers into the audience in search of his family, a sea of Kardashians. All he has to do is wink and smile.

If that thought experiment had you in fear of modern democracy, good. Our hope should be that registered voters view it as a complete farce. While the entertainment factor that has infiltrated this years race is thankfully not nearly at the levels that the 2020 race is shaping up to be, we must be aware of the difference between politically driven motives and popularity driven motives. That being said, can we just imagine how fun the Kardashians would be as the First Family? For now, consider it only a mere possibility. But if the 2016 race has taught us anything as it pertains to Kanye West’s possible 2020 bid, it’s to Watch the Throne.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

132481
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

30713
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

28241
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments