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A South Pasadenan is seeking to become the new president of the United States
For real.
Vector Hasting is among many in the running hoping to win a seat in the White House, launching his campaign for the presidency in his hometown Thursday afternoon, walking through the city’s farmers’ market wearing a giant banner on his backpack, flags blazing, making himself available to anyone interested in striking up a conversation.
He had some takers, saying: “Because I am of the belief that we need a new social contract for handling power and justice in the 21st century” when asked why he is among the Democratic hopefuls.
It’s not quite official yet, but Hasting expects to have everything wrapped up by the end of next week after an application with has been processed with the Federal Election Commission. It’s a small matter, he insists, as he set up a small portable table to in the market area – welcoming passersby – to launch his campaign.
What triggered his decision? Hasting read Tim Snyder’s book “On Tyranny” and got inspired. According to Bookrags.com, the publication argues that Americans need to better understand the history of Europe’s Fascist and Communist regimes to ensure that the United States does not descend into tyranny.
“I looked back on my time living in Eastern Europe and walking on the ruins of what he describes,” he explained. “Other politicians are talking about old solutions to new problems.”
Does he believe he has a chance to win? “Why this is not about me,” he answered. “Winning and losing is about America. And it rests upon whether we can sufficiently address modern threats such as artificial intelligence with its omnipresent knowledge of our hopes and our fears.”
He added: “Winning is about helping America to face these challenges through witness and action. My role is to bear witness to this message in the hopes America will take it to action.”
When asked what has been the response from those learning he’s running for president, Hasting replied, “Unmitigated enthusiasm.”
He was told some might call this a publicity stunt. “You need to judge, and I ask you to judge by considering the dangers we are in,” said Hasting. “And consider whether or not you hear solutions that make sense to you.”
Much of why he is seeking to become the country’s next president in 2020, he claims, can be found in his book: “The Share: A New Social Contract,” found on Amazon.
Hasting says he’s working on a website and it should be up and running soon.
