Public Figures to Fear: Eccentrics Versus Political Wackos
Imagine a world where public figures are not just recognizable but terrifying. From Intergalactic Space Warriors to eccentric street performers, some candidates for political office might not only scare the voters but also threaten the core values of democracy and freedom. In this article, we explore some of the most outlandish candidates to run for office and what they propose.
The Rise of Binface and the Decline of Lord Buckethead
In the UK, the political landscape is often filled with eccentrics and unique characters. One of the most prominent figures is Count Binface, an Intergalactic Space Warrior and democracy lover, who claims to be 5965 years old. This creature ran for Mayor of London in 2021 and garnered 24,775 votes, placing him in ninth position.
Binface first rose to prominence in 2019 when he ran against the popular Boris Johnson for the office of Prime Minister, securing a mere 69 votes, which is a stark contrast to his later success. Among his peculiar policies were:
Banning loud snacks in all theatres Banning the use of speakerphones in public spaces, with offenders forced to watch the Cats film every day for a yearInterestingly, Count Binface was not the first of his kind. The character Lord Buckethead ran for election multiple times, including in 1987 and 1992. When a new character named Count Trashbin attempted to run in 2017, Todd Durham (the original creator) asserted his copyright and enforced it leading to the creation of a new character.
Lord Buckethead made a surprising debut in the 2017 general election under the Gremloids Party, securing 249 votes, and later ran in 2019 under the Monster Raving Loony Party, getting 125 votes, which is almost double what Binface received.
Eclectic Figures in the Spotlight
The United Kingdom is home to a plethora of eccentric candidates, both in temperament and policy. However, none might strike fear into the hearts of citizens as much as Bob Burck, better known as Cowboy. This world-renowned street performer, often seen in Times Square, ran for president in 2012, advertising himself as a truer, more honest version of a cowboy. His campaign was marked with unusual and sometimes uncomfortable questions, such as whether he would endorse Fruit of the Loom or Hanes, given his tradition of appearing in tighty whities.
Much like Cowboy, Jimmy McMillan and Vermin Supreme are veterans of the political arena. McMillan is more famously known as the "Rent is Too Damn High" guy, having run for a variety of offices including mayor, governor, and even the presidency. In 2012, he ran for president under the same banner as Supreme, with the agreement that the candidate more popular with the public would be the president and the other would serve as vice-president. Although McMillan claims to be eccentric, he has a more grounded appeal compared to Supreme.
Vermin Supreme, on the other hand, is renowned for wearing a large boot as a hat and carrying a massive toothbrush. He has run for president every election since 1992 and proposes bizarre and controversial policies such as:
Mandatory toothbrushing laws A free pony for all Americans Using zombies for renewable energy Time travel researchAlthough Supreme manages to secure nearly 2 million votes in the Iowa Democratic Caucus by August, he typically drops out after this, often joining forces with other eccentric politicians like Jimmy McMillan. One of his infamous moments was accusing Chris Christie of hating ponies and inquiring whether the water used in waterboarding should contain fluoride.
What Scare the Voters
While these figures might be appealing to a niche audience, they pose significant risks. If any of these candidates become part of the political establishment, the core principles of democracy and freedom could be jeopardized.
As an ally of the United States, one might find themselves fearing that similar political wackos could rise to power. These candidates not only challenge the political norms but also the very fabric of society and governance. The policy decisions made by such individuals could lead to chaos, and they challenge the idea of a functioning and fair democracy.
So, for voters in the UK and around the world, the question remains: who will stand up against the troubling rise of eccentric figures and ensure that democracy and freedom are not only upheld but thrive?