Wyclef For President? I’d rather not.

July 26th, 2010 by Martine St-Victor


Photo by AfricaHit.com
What does it take to run a country? A Grammy? A mobile-phone commercial? The ability to create incredible guitar riffs? If so then all these rumors about Wyclef Jean running for President of Haïti may not be that crazy.
Already fuelling debates online, on talk radio & at social gatherings, the news of Wyclef’s impending announcement to run for President raises an important question: what does Haïti really need? I, of course, don’t have the complex answer.
The charismatic singer has launched remarkable initiatives in Haïti and his impassionate pleas over the years have helped put a much needed spotlight on the Island. With all the influence he already has and the mobilization he can create, one wonders why Wyclef would feel the need to run for office. Politics is the Art of Compromise, and even Wyclef wouldn’t be able to escape that.
Early supporters of the maybe-candidate will tell you he’ll bring change. Sure, but what will he be able to do in office that he can’t accomplish now? A country’s power lays in its citizens, especially when they are rich & powerful.
Oprah was once asked if she ever thought of running for President of the United States. Someone sitting next to her quickly replied: “Why would she? It would be a step down.”  Same goes for you Wyclef: keep on doing what you’re doing & leave the rat race to others who get high on protocol & titles.
I adressed the matter this morning on CBC’s Daybreak. Listen here (at 13:55) :



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