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“The aspiration to be a politician should disqualify you from ever becoming one,” famously stated comedian Billy Connolly. This sentiment resonates strongly in today’s political landscape. In years past, individuals known for their objectionable behavior flourished in reality television. However, there seems to be a shift, with many now turning their sights towards podcasting and politics.
One emerging figure in this arena is Andrew Tate, a British-American influencer notorious for his controversial views on women. Recently, he has expressed interest in the role of Prime Minister of the UK, a surprising pivot considering his current legal troubles. Tate and his brother, Tristan, are under investigation by Romanian authorities for a range of serious allegations, including human trafficking and money laundering. History reveals that, much like Donald Trump—a convicted felon and accused sexual abuser—Tate may believe his fame provides a protective layer against prosecution.
Tate’s political aspirations lack depth or clarity, which aligns with the persona he projects. He has publicly made statements that are misogynistic and immature, such as claiming that he prefers to date younger women to leave a lasting “imprint” on them. More recently, he conducted a poll on X (formerly Twitter) to gauge whether his followers support his run for prime minister, presenting them with options such as “YES. SAVE BRITAN [sic]” or “No.”
This lack of basic spelling skills highlights his broader ignorance regarding the political system; unlike in the United States, aspirations to become Prime Minister cannot simply be declared. Nonetheless, his followers have rallied around him, and he has announced the formation of a political party named Britain Restoring Underlying Values (Bruv). This self-proclaimed party appears to be a thinly veiled publicity stunt, with Tate seemingly neglecting the necessary formalities to register it as a legitimate political entity.
While it may be tempting to dismiss Bruv as mere frivolity, it’s crucial to recognize the more serious implications of Tate’s political ventures. Although it is improbable that he will ever ascend to the role of prime minister, figures like Tate often play a disproportionate role in shaping political discourse. The rise of online influencers like him can be traced to the increasing prominence of social media personalities meddling in political affairs. This trend may have been exacerbated by tech magnates like Elon Musk, who has recently made his own forays into British politics.
Musk has been preoccupied with British political dynamics, hinting at desires to influence governmental change, including suggesting the UK should be liberated from what he terms its “tyrannical government” led by Keir Starmer. Initially, Musk appeared to support Nigel Farage, but their partnership has since faltered, leaving Musk to endorse other controversial figures like the far-right provocateur Tommy Robinson.
With Tate’s budding political ambitions possibly being a ploy to capture Musk’s attention, the connections between these individuals raise eyebrows. While Musk has publicly supported both Tate and Robinson, their actual relationships remain ambiguous. However, Tate has claimed contacts with figures in influential circles, boasting conversations with Barron Trump. During a recent podcast, Alina Habba, a lawyer for Donald Trump, also expressed admiration for Tate, further blurring the lines between celebrity culture and political influence.
The idea that someone like Andrew Tate could wield significant political clout would have previously seemed far-fetched. Yet, as shifts in both culture and politics evolve, what once felt absurd is becoming increasingly credible.
Source
www.theguardian.com