Wyclef Jean's Potential Haitian Presidential Race

With rumors that Wyclef Jean may be considering a bid for this year's presidential elections in Haiti, many people are wondering just how Jean would fair in such a presidential race. The current president of Haiti, Rene Preval, cannot run for reelection, as he has already served the maximum term in office, and rumors largely propagated through a statement by Wyclef Jean's family hinting that he would not rule out the possibility of running for election, have caused much speculation about how well Jean would actually perform in office.

Should Jean choose to run for office, there are sure to be comparisons between his campaign and other celebrity campaigns. For example, the United States of America has seen its fair share of entertainment stars sliding into government offices, including former president Ronald Reagan. More recently, however, the state of California surprised the nation with its election of governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Arnold Schwarzenegger left behind a successful acting career and the life of a former body builder (becoming the youngest man to win the Mr. Universe title at only 20 years old) to enter the race to become California's 38th governor.

While Wyclef Jean's stardom comes from success as a hip hop artist, and Arnold Schwarzenegger built his fan base through acting as an impressive movie action hero and body builder, the two both have been widely involved in various philanthropic acts. Schwarzenegger's humanitarian work was largely focused on involvement in the Special Olympics, an organization founded by his wife's mother. In 1979, Schwarzenegger was even the Special Olympics Weight Training Coach, and he currently serves as the Global Ambassador for the organization. Wyclef Jean, on the other hand, has been greatly involved in his own humanitarian aid organization - the Yele Haiti Foundation -- that has focused on rebuilding efforts in Haiti after this year's January earthquake leveled much of the capital city of Port-au-Prince. The quake left at least 1.5 million people homeless in Haiti and killed another 250,000.

Jean, although not a politician currently, does have the added advantage of his international stardom should he choose to enter this coming presidential election. His music is well-received by many, and his humanitarian work could help Haitians believe in his desire to rebuild the disaster-struck country. Although Jean currently does not reside in Haiti, his family has stated that the star remains dedicated to the people of his homeland, so the possibility of him running for and even winning the presidential election is Haiti remains believable.

Sources Include:

Jonathan M. Katz, "President Wyclef? Former Fugee Mulling Run"Associated Press.