Making Sense of Kanye West's Political Ambitions

*By Max Godnick* Kanye West was slinging optimistic platitudes last month, courting conservative thought leaders, and increasing his public profile. Could a trip to Iowa be next? The rapper's recent Twitter activity has caused some pundits to speculate about his political ambitions. In April, West expressed his "love" for President Trump and wore a "Make America Great Again" hat in [a photo](https://twitter.com/kanyewest/status/989222392630202368). He said he "likes the way" the right-wing commentator Candace Owens thinks, and released a new song with the lyric: "I know Obama was heaven-sent, but ever since Trump won, it proved that I could be president." West had teased a potential White House run in September 2015 at MTV's Video Music Awards, where he announced, "I have decided in 2020 to run for president." Last week, he appeared to postpone his plan, cryptically tweeting ["2024"](https://twitter.com/kanyewest/status/988984329295441921). "I could see him trying," said Brande Victorian, the managing editor of MadameNoire, a Black women's lifestyle site. "I mean, we didn't think Trump would be here." Republicans have embraced West's newly-public political musings. Donald Trump Jr. [tweeted a photo](https://twitter.com/DonaldJTrumpJr/status/990930382685196288) Monday of West with Owens and the conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Victorian said Tuesday in an interview with Cheddar she was skeptical that West could convince his fans to fully get behind conservatives. "You're asking virtually everyone who the party does not care about to all of a sudden have empathy for this group, which is nonsensical," she said. For full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/will-kanye-west-run-for-president).

More In Culture

U.S. Jobless Claims Reach a Pandemic Low as Hiring Strengthens

The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell last week to 340,000, a pandemic low, another sign that the job market is steadily rebounding from the economic collapse caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Need2Know: Moderna Booster Shot, Ida’s Historic Flooding, Apple Driver’s License

All the news you Need2Know for Thursday, September 2, 2021.

Need2Know: 1 Million Booster Shots Given, Social Security Set to Deplete, Bonnaroo Canceled

All the news you Need2Know for Wednesday, September 1, 2021.

Texas Bans Most Abortions, With High Court Mum on Appeal

The nation’s most far-reaching curb on abortions has taken effect in Texas, with the Supreme Court silent so far on an emergency appeal to put the law on hold.

Mistrust Grows After OnlyFans Flip Flops on Adult Content

When Only Fans announced that they would be blocking adult content on the platform, creators like Pyra Faye were shocked and disheartened.

Mistrust Grows After OnlyFans Waffles on Adult Content

When Only Fans announced that they would be blocking adult content on the platform, creators like Pyra Faye were shocked and disheartened. The company has since changed stances, saying it would suspend its initial ban on sexually explicit content. But Pyra Fae says the damage has been done, as she's noticed website traffic decline which has impacted her business.

How Gen Z and Millennials Use Social Media and What They Want to See Next: Cheddar Survey

Cheddar asked its Gen Z and Millennial-aged Facebook and Instagram users about several topics including how they use social media, buying cryptocurrency, and the future job market.

Cougar That Was Kept as Illegal Pet Removed From NYC Home

Officials say an 80-pound cougar was removed from a Bronx apartment where she was being kept illegally as a pet.

Mike Richards Is Out as Producer of 'Jeopardy!' and 'Wheel'

Mike Richards is out as executive producer of “Jeopardy!”, days after he exited as the quiz show’s newly appointed host because of past misogynistic and other comments.

30 KPH Max: Paris Shrinks Speed Limit to Protect Climate

The speed limit for most of Paris is now 30 kilometers per hour (less than 19 miles per hour). The new rule takes effect Monday almost everywhere in the city except for a few wide avenues like the Champs-Elysees and the bypass circling the capital.

Load More