|
 West, 43, a former supporter of
President Donald Trump who has left voters
befuddled over whether his campaign is genuine
or a publicity stunt to help sell albums or
merchandise, delivered rambling remarks during
the event at a Charleston, South Carolina,
wedding venue and convention center.
In remarks that lasted just over an hour, he
denounced abortion, swore, called on random
members to speak, appeared to be putting forward
policy proposals on the fly, and made comments
that left even those in attendance muttering in
disbelief.
"Harriet Tubman never actually freed the slaves.
She just had the slaves work for other white
people," he said at one point when discussing
economic inequality.
The event, which was livestreamed on YouTube and
carried on local television stations, did little
to clarify whether West is genuinely attempting
to win the presidency. The campaign he launched
with a July 4 tweet has already missed https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-usa-election-kanye-west/what-would-kanye-west-have-to-do-to-launch-a-late-white-house-bid-idUKKBN2460S2
several deadlines to appear on key state
ballots.
At times, he even seemed to suggest he was more
interested in disseminating a message than
winning the presidency.
"Freedom does not come from an election. The
freedom comes from you not loading up the
pornography. The freedom comes from you not
taking the Percoset," he said at one point.
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 West appeared on stage with
"2020" shaved into the back of his head and
wearing what appeared to be a military-style
vest. He argued that abortion should be legal
but heavily discouraged, suggesting he would
promote a policy as president that anyone who
gives birth to a child be given $1 million "or
something in that family." West
referred to the Bible and Christian teachings
multiple times, and broke down in tears at one
point while describing how he was nearly aborted
by his parents.
"The only thing that can free us is by obeying
the rules that were given to us for a promised
land," he said. "Abortion should be legal
because guess what? The law is not by God
anyway, so what is legality?"
The event carried few similarities with typical
polished candidate events. The venue appeared to
lack audience microphones, so West repeatedly
told the crowd to be silent so audience members
he called on could be heard.
(Reporting by Pete Schroeder; Editing by Heather
Timmons, Peter Cooney and Diane Craft)
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