Last weekend, 43-year-old rapper Kanye West shocked the public by announcing on Twitter his plans to run for President of the United States. SpaceX head Elon Musk and star spouse Kim Kardashian West have already supported Kanye's initiative, but many continue to doubt the seriousness of his intentions.
In an interview with Forbes, Kanye made clear that this is not a PR stunt to promote a new album, and answered many serious questions, revealing some of his plans for how he sees the United States of America if he gets into the White House.
On his political affiliation: "I would run as a Republican if Trump weren't there. If Trump is going to participate in the race, I will run as an independent candidate".
On how the presidential race will end: "Let's first see when it happens, in 2020 or in 2024. Because the Lord appoints the president. If I win in 2020, it will be God's appointment. If I triumph in 2024, that will also be God's appointment".
On Donald Trump and his support for the sitting president: "I am taking off the red cap [with the slogan "Make America Great Again"] in this interview. But Trump is closer than any president to letting God be part of the conversation".
On Joe Biden: "I'm not saying Trump is standing in my way, he may well be part of my path. And Joe Biden? Oh, come on, be so kind. You know what? Obama is special. Trump is special. We say Kanye West is special. America needs people who lead the way. Bill Clinton? Special. Joe Biden is not special.
Just like political parties, many believe that all Black people must be Democrats. This man, Joe Biden, said that if you don't vote for him, you're not Black. And what, pretend we didn't hear that? He said it. That's a rap line. We will all come out, all people. Jay-Z answered best of all. As for the other candidates, I simply suggest that everyone gracefully bow out, and Trump and Biden alike. This is God's country, we do everything to serve God, no one but God. I serve our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and put everything I have into serving God".
On the ideal model of governing the country: "Many Africans don't like the film ["Black Panther", which tells about a rich country hidden from the outside world], and the way they are portrayed in Wakanda. But I'm going to use the Wakanda model right now, because it is the best explanation of how our group will feel in the White House. This is a positive idea, after all, you will get Kanye West, one of the most influential people. I'm not saying I am the most influential, because there are many superpowers with alien power, but we are able to provide freedom only through joint efforts. Returning to Wakanda... As in the film, in Wakanda, when the king goes to this leading scientist for self-lacing sneakers? This is about the number of possible innovations, innovations in medicine, we are going to work on this together".
On foreign policy: "I haven't developed it yet. I am primarily focused on protecting America thanks to our great military. We need to focus on ourselves first".
On China: "I can promise you something. When I become president, the NBA will be everywhere, from Nigeria to Nanchang, and the whole world will see the greatest athletes in action. The world will endure change. The money will come back. I love China. This disease is not China's fault. It is not the fault of the Chinese people. They are also God's people. I love China, this country changed my life. It changed my perspective, expanded it. My mother, a professor of English, taught English in China when I was in 5th grade".
In one sentence