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This wacky rock star says he's running for president. 28 reasons that's actually awesome.

When it's time to politically party, Andrew W.K. will always party hard.

You might recognize Andrew Wilkes-Krier as That Crazy Long-Haired Rocker Guy who sang that "Party Hard" song. Which is accurate. But in addition to his delightfully positive pop-metal anthems about partying and his fist-pumping DJ gigs, Andrew W.K. is a renowned motivational speaker, children's television host, advice columnist for the Village Voice, and an all-around unstoppable force of positive energy.

Also he has a pizza guitar.


Photo by Mireya Acierto/Getty Images.

But on top of all of that, Andrew W.K. says he is running for president of the United States with his new political party: The Party Party.

"The Party Party is simple in its mission: To free the American people from the dysfunction that is our two party system," Andrew W.K. said in a video announcing his candidacy.

"Most people have become too caught up in the bickering of our news cycles to realize that we ultimately desire the exact same things: reliable access to education, healthcare, and a sense of social equality. If enough people are willing to liberate themselves from choosing left or right, a third voice can emerge with a much more powerful message. [...] If we open our hearts and approach the problems we face with an open mind, real change can be achieved."

This might sound ridiculous coming from a guy who only wears white T-shirts and white jeans, but these 28 tweets show what we could expect from President Andrew W.K.'s Party Party.

Photo by Mireya Acierto/Getty Images.

1. He believes in gender equality.


2. He believes in love, not hate.


3. He plays nice and encourages others to do the same.

4. He believes in the First Amendment.


5. He has a very strong stance on national defense.


6. And he refuses to provoke other countries that we might not get along with.

7. He has an excellent track record on human rights.

8. He is concerned about mental health.

9. He believes in empathy and understands the need to help those who are struggling in the way they want to be helped.


10. He knows that things aren't always perfect, and that's OK.


11. While he supports our capitalist economy, he also understands the dangers of unchecked greed.


12. He is a patriot who believes in American ingenuity, domestic trade, and personal responsibility.


13. He loves animals.


14. He supports NASA and space exploration, as well as geological and ecological sciences.


15. He cares about hygiene. And respect.

16. He supports marriage equality.


17. He has excellent manners, which gives him an advantage in dealing with international relations and diplomacy.

18. Banana manners.

19. He believes in protecting endangered species, such as the unicorn.

20. He respects and values women.

21. He has a strong foreign policy and refuses to give in to xenophobia.

22. He really likes animals.

23. He's your friend! He's everyone's friend! He's a guy you like and get along with!


24. He understands the need for employment and educational opportunities.


25. He believes in climate change.

26. He gives hugs.


27. He believes in the American dream.


28. He won't give up on the American people.

Does this look un-serious to you? Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images.

Is he kidding? Is this ridiculous? Is this all a big joke? Maybe. But he does claim to be in the process of filing the proper paperwork, so who knows?

Regardless of whether the Party Party is real or not, it has a LOT of people talking about some important issues.

W.K. is right: There are a lot of problems with our two-party system, and a lot of people are feeling disillusioned and disenfranchised by our current political atmosphere. We all want similar things, and yet we continue to let ourselves get bogged down in the same rhetoric and the same us-versus-them mentality, and we keep voting in the same candidates who continue to hurt us just because their names are the ones on the ballots.


While Andrew W.K. probably won't become our next president, there’s still a lot to be learned by studying the things he stands for, regardless of how wacky and over-the-top they might seem on the surface.

Then again, maybe we shouldn't count him out just yet — after all, there's that other seemingly-absurd celebrity presidential candidate who has made a lot of headway with his anti-establishment rhetoric. But his idea of a "party" probably has less to do with self-empowerment and mutual respect.

Here's the full video announcing Andrew W.K.'s presidential candidacy.

All images provided by Prudential Emerging Visionaries

Collins after being selected by Prudential Emerging Visionaries

True

A changemaker is anyone who takes creative action to solve an ongoing problem—be it in one’s own community or throughout the world.

And when it comes to creating positive change, enthusiasm and a fresh perspective can hold just as much power as years of experience. That’s why, every year, Prudential Emerging Visionaries celebrates young people for their innovative solutions to financial and societal challenges in their communities.

This national program awards 25 young leaders (ages 14-18) up to $15,000 to devote to their passion projects. Additionally, winners receive a trip to Prudential’s headquarters in Newark, New Jersey, where they receive coaching, skills development, and networking opportunities with mentors to help take their innovative solutions to the next level.

For 18-year-old Sydnie Collins, one of the 2023 winners, this meant being able to take her podcast, “Perfect Timing,” to the next level.

Since 2020, the Maryland-based teen has provided a safe platform that promotes youth positivity by giving young people the space to celebrate their achievements and combat mental health stigmas. The idea came during the height of Covid-19, when Collins recalled social media “becoming a dark space flooded with news,” which greatly affected her own anxiety and depression.

Knowing that she couldn’t be the only one feeling this way, “Perfect Timing” seemed like a valuable way to give back to her community. Over the course of 109 episodes, Collins has interviewed a wide range of guests—from other young influencers to celebrities, from innovators to nonprofit leaders—all to remind Gen Z that “their dreams are tangible.”

That mission statement has since evolved beyond creating inspiring content and has expanded to hosting events and speaking publicly at summits and workshops. One of Collins’ favorite moments so far has been raising $7,000 to take 200 underserved girls to see “The Little Mermaid” on its opening weekend, to “let them know they are enough” and that there’s an “older sister” in their corner.

Of course, as with most new projects, funding for “Perfect Timing” has come entirely out of Collins’ pocket. Thankfully, the funding she earned from being selected as a Prudential Emerging Visionary is going toward upgraded recording equipment, the support of expert producers, and skill-building classes to help her become a better host and public speaker. She’ll even be able to lease an office space that allows for a live audience.

Plus, after meeting with the 24 other Prudential Emerging Visionaries and her Prudential employee coach, who is helping her develop specific action steps to connect with her target audience, Collins has more confidence in a “grander path” for her work.

“I learned that my network could extend to multiple spaces beyond my realm of podcasting and journalism when industry leaders are willing to share their expertise, time, and financial support,” she told Upworthy. “It only takes one person to change, and two people to expand that change.”

Prudential Emerging Visionaries is currently seeking applicants for 2024. Winners may receive up to $15,000 in awards and an all-expenses-paid trip to Prudential’s headquarters with a parent or guardian, as well as ongoing coaching and skills development to grow their projects.

If you or someone you know between the ages of 14 -18 not only displays a bold vision for the future but is taking action to bring that vision to life, click here to learn more. Applications are due by Nov. 2, 2023.
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