Recently, it seems like every celebrity has a political opinion. Public figures ranging from Hollywood actors to Instagram influencers have been getting involved in the 2020 presidential elections by making endorsements for either Joe Biden or Donald Trump. Professional athletes are no exception to this rule, as former NBA player Dennis Rodman is the latest celebrity to support a presidential campaign. The only catch? Rodman is not making the typical choice between our former VP and the current incumbent... Instead, he will be casting his vote for rapper Kanye West, and fans do not know what to think.
Kanye’s Swag Bag
The drama got started late Wednesday night when Rodman took to his Instagram account to share his endorsement of Kanye West. However, unlike other celebrities who explain how specific issues like immigration or gay rights have influenced their vote, Rodman shows off a bunch of pro-Kanye West swag that he received as a gift in the mail. “Not too many people give me gifts,” he said. Um...Bribery much?
From what we can tell, it looks like Kanye has learned a thing or two from his Instagram sensation wife, Kim Kardashian. Like many business owners, Kim offers free samples of her products to other influencers in exchange for posts featuring her products in a positive light. In this video, Rodman opens up some packages with “Kanye For President” swag and even a fancy pair of basketball shoes.
While this marketing strategy normally works well for lipstick and bags, Kanye is definitely showing that it can work for influencing people’s politics. He sure got Rodman’s vote!
Fans Are In Shock
While Kanye’s swag bag style campaigning left a definite impression on Rodman, fans were not having it. One user with the handle @eli_c_m_ commented, “All because he gave you a free pair of sneakers?” Fair question.
Another one of Rodman’s followers seemed confused as to why anyone would ever vote for a third party candidate. “Don’t waste your vote on him,” wrote @randijoy6696.
Fans even tried to warn Rodman that voting for Kanye would actually give more power to the current President. “Sorry brother, but a vote for Kanye is a vote for Trump. Can’t do it,” commented @gary.m.heffernan.