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In his first presidential election campaign rally, Kanye West spoke about abortion, religion and criticised an American civil rights figure
Kanye West launched his campaign for the 2020 US presidential election with a campaign rally in North Charleston, South Carolina yesterday.
The event was held at a wedding and conference hall in the city and was reportedly open to registered guests only. Although his campaign website offered no option to register for the event.
In his speech, West discussed topics such as abortion, trade, and religion. When talking about abortion the rapper said that while he still believes it should be legal, financial support and incentives should be given to new mothers saying, “everybody that has a baby gets a million dollars”.
He began crying as he spoke of his parents nearly aborting him and said: “There would have been no Kanye West, because my dad was too busy… I almost killed my daughter… even if my wife were to divorce me after this speech, she brought North into the world, even when I didn’t want to.”
The 43-year-old was also visibly emotional as he spoke of his late mother who died from complications following a plastic surgery procedure in 2007.
He criticised civil rights figure Harriet Tubman saying she “never actually freed the slaves she just had them work for other white people”. Tubman was an African American who helped free enslaved Black men and women during the 19th century. She remains a respected figure from that period of history. The statement prompted upset and opposition among the crowd.
It is still unclear whether West’s bid is a publicity stunt or a real attempt. He announced candidacy on July 4 with a tweet that read: “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.”
His announcement of intention came after the deadline to qualify the ballot in a number of states. He will now have to attempt to gain enough signatures to apply on the ballot of many others.
He needs 10,000 signatures by noon on Monday to appear in South Carolina.
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