Asian Fortune Your source for all things Asian American
By Jennie L. Ilustre
It’s the beginning, not the end, for Andrew Yang, the first male Asian American to run for president. The successful tech investment entrepreneur, who calls himself the Math Guy, made the decision to end his campaign following the dismal numbers he got in Iowa, the Democratic Party’s first primary.
To be sure, political experts never really gave Yang’s candidacy much of a chance. When he ended his campaign on February 11, it did not come as a surprise to them.
But these pundits, the Mainstream Media, and Asian American leaders contend that Yang, 44, has made a difference in the Asian American community, as well as in Mainstream America, with his innovative, dynamic campaign that galvanized the young electorate. In a CNN analysis the day after Yang’s announcement, Dan Merica and Kate Sullivan noted that Yang leaves the race “with a level of power that no one would have expected when he entered the contest.”
As a result of his impressive campaign, Yang himself faces a bright future in public service, whether as an elective or appointive official. Democratic Party leaders hope he will play an active role in its quest for victory in the November 3 presidential elections, as well as in the party’s future.
Yang generated a lot of media buzz with his Freedom Dividend proposal to give $1,000 a month, or $12,000 a year, to every American adult age 18 to 64, with no strings attached. He generated substantial political contributions, met the polling number party requirement to qualify for presidential debates, and inspired devoted followers called the Yang Gang, or Yangsters.
Indeed, he has surprised political experts and the Mainstream Media that his campaign has lasted this long. More nationally-known and established Democratic Party candidates had dropped from the race earlier than Yang. Among them: Former Rep. John Delaney, former HUD Secretary Julian Castro, spiritual author Marianne Williamson, and Senator Cory Booker, and also Senator Kamala Harris and Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, who are both of Asian roots. The number has narrowed down to eight, from a crowded field of more than 20 candidates.
Why Yang’s Campaign is a Success
Even though Yang fell short of his goal, many consider his campaign successful because of its lasting effects in the political landscape. His campaign platform focused on three main policies: Freedom Dividend, providing $1,000 a month to adults aged 18 and over; Medicare for All, ending the fear of medical bankruptcy, and Human-Centered Capitalism.
Human-Centered Capitalism would shift the focus of the nation’s economic measurement “from Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to numbers that reflect the well-being of the average American.”
- Policy proposal now in the spotlight
Yang caught national attention with his vision and fresh approach to solving the nation’s challenges. He proposed a Universal Basic Income (UBI), which he described as a Freedom Dividend. UBI is a form of social security that guarantees $1,000 a month, or $12,000 a year, to every American adult over age 18 to 64. Said adults qualify for the benefit regardless of economic status, and it does not require getting a job.
This issue generated so much media buzz that the unknown Yang quickly vaulted to prominence right out of the gate. It also attracted students and young professionals to his campaign. Political observers say Yang’s proposal is now part of the national discussion.
Dewita Soeharjono of the Democratic Asian Americans of Virginia pointed out: “Andrew Yang brought a different voice to issues that other candidates don’t talk about much. He put the issue of automation and the future of work front and center. Automation has already impacted the blue collar jobs.”
Yang said his motivation for running was his “fear for the future of our country.” He stressed: “New technologies–robots, software, artificial intelligence–have already destroyed more than 4 million U.S. jobs, and in the next 5-10 years, they will eliminate millions more. A third of all American workers are at risk of permanent unemployment. And this time, the jobs will not come back.”
He noted: “In the next 12 years, 1 out of 3 American workers is at risk of losing his or her job to new technologies,,,To avoid an unprecedented crisis, we’re going to have to find a new solution, unlike anything we’ve done before. It all begins with Universal Basic Income for all American adults.”
Yang has a track record in coming up with innovative solutions. In 2011, he founded Venture for America, a national public service fellowship that places graduates in struggling communities to help local businesses revitalize the economy. He went on to create over 2,500 jobs in cities like Cleveland, Detroit, and Pittsburgh.
- He galvanized young voters
Remarked Madalene Xuan-Trang Mielke, President and CEO of the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS): “Andrew Yang energized a cross-section of the electorate that were not previously involved in politics, and that is highly commendable. Although he has suspended his campaign, I hope that he will continue to encourage his supporters to participate as the election cycle continues.”
- Yang as a player in the elections
Yang is now a power to be reckoned with. He has proved his ability to attract the young electorate, tap Asian American big and small political donors, and generate media buzz with his edgy and fresh approach to campaigning. He could also entice Asian American voter turn-out.
The February 12 CNN essay noted that several top operatives have said in private, after watching Yang’s rise, that he “should have a future role in Democratic politics or a Democratic administration.”
Democratic Party leaders are clamoring for Yang to play an active role in its quest for victory in the November 3 presidential elections, which also includes races for U.S. senators, U.S. Congressmen and Congresswomen, and governors.
Yang said he was not going to endorse any candidate during the primary, but he pledged to support the party’s candidate. When he announced that he was ending his campaign, he declared two aspirations: To be considered as the vice presidential candidate or if the party wins, to be appointed to a cabinet post.
- Yang further raised the visibility of Asian Americans
APAICS President & CEO President & CEO Mielke noted: “Andrew Yang, as well as U.S. Senator Kamala Harris and Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, were instrumental in elevating the Asian American Pacific Islander community as they campaigned for the top executive position in the United States.”
It is worth noting that an Asian American female who ran for president had raised the visibility of Americans of Asian ancestry way, way before. In 1972, U.S. Congresswoman Patsy Mink, Democrat from Hawaii, threw her hat in the ring as an anti-war candidate.
- He inspired young Asian Americans, and youth in general
Democratic Asian Americans of Virginia’s Soeharjono said, “For me, the most important thing that his candidacy achieved is that he has inspired a lot of young Asian Americans, and the young generation in general.” Indeed, a news report quoted a political leader who said Yang’s candidacy has the effect of making the community believe in the possibility that someday, an Asian American will become president of the United States.
