Filed under: News, President Obama
He stole the show at the New York gubernatorial debate but lost the election by a landslide. But to Jimmy McMillan, none of that matters. His slogan, "The Rent Too Damn High," touched a nerve with people across the country.
Now McMillan says he may come after President Barack Obama in 2012. That's right, the rent is not just too damn high in New York City.
"The rent too damn high party is pulling everybody together," McMillan said in an interview with Aol. BlackVoices. "If you pay mortgage, it's rent. If you buy food, that's rent. Rent is too damn high is like the body of a car and Jimmy McMillan is the engine."
Since his scene-stealing turn on the New York gubernatorial debate became an Internet sensation, McMillan has been spoofed on Saturday Night Live, recorded an album and had a doll made in his likeness. It may seem like an overnight success, but McMillan says it's not:
"I've been doing this for 16 years. For the last four elections I've seen this coming. I knew it was going to happen because each year I prayed that I would have a chance to touch people," McMillan said.
Now the calls are rolling in from all over.
"I was surprised that I got calls from all over the world. People in China and Canada have embraced me. I'm an American and I never thought about the rest of the world, but in 2012, I'm coming after the president's position if he don't step up."
McMillan said he's unhappy about the government bailout of Wall Street and the automobile industry while so many young people are being burdened by overwhelming student loan debt, which is just another form of rent in McMillan's mind:
"I'm not that dumb to not be able to figure out the math. If I have all this student loan debt, why has nothing been sent to me. We should waive every student loan for every student in America," Mcmillan said. "Don't take it personally, Barack Obama. I'm coming after you if you don't wake up."
Until election time rolls around, McMillan said he wants to have his own reality show. He already has the name and concept picked out: "Dinner with Jimmy McMillan."
Various guests would come on the show and chat with McMillan over the meal. They'd discuss current events:
"I just want to keep that going because people are laughing again and little kids were dressed like me for Halloween. I get calls from little kids wanting to hear me say, 'Rent is too damn high!' said Mcmillan. "As much as we are suffering, people are laughing again."
And maybe that's the level McMillan should keep it on. Running for president might be a waste of McMillan's time. Since he has made high rent and the cost of living his platform, he should set himself up to speak about these important issues on a regular basis, not just at election time.
And if McMillan can make people smile along the way, that's even better.