Since Donald J. Trump became the 45th President of the United States, celebrities and wealthy CEOs across the political spectrum have hinted at runs for president or other positions in Congress.
A few months ago, Robert Ritchie, also known as Kid Rock, hinted at a run for the U.S. Senate in the state of Michigan. Kid Rock would be challenging Democratic incumbent Debbie Stabenow next November. However, after polls were conducted, after going on political, profanity-laced rants at concerts, riling up fans and releasing merchandise and graphics that state "Kid Rock For Senate," the musician has put to rest the notion that he is running for Congress.
Kid Rock appeared on The Howard Stern Show Tuesday morning and was asked if he was seriously considering entering the world of politics. He had this to say to Stern:
Warning Offensive Language
F*** no, I’m not running for Senate. Are you kidding me? Who couldn’t figure that out? I’m releasing a new album. I’m going on tour, too. Are you f***ing sh***ing me?
Though Kid Rock seemed to assume that people would know this is was a publicity move, many people bought into the message he was pushing. The Senate Leadership Fund super PAC said it would be willing to support Kid Rock in a 2018 run against Stabenow. The artist even sold the idea of running by starting his own Kid Rock For Senate website. See below:
RealClearPolitics kept track of a few polls as well that showed how a potential matchup would play out. The latest poll from the beginning of October, conducted by Mitchell/Rosetta Stone, showed Stabenow up by eight points.
A Senate run by Kid Rock was perceived as another shot at the GOP establishment and the Washington, D.C. elites, keeping in line with the idea that outsiders could take control of Washington.
As this move by Kid Rock is now seen to be a publicity stunt, one cannot help but find it brilliant. While drawing attention to himself, Kid Rock also pulled one over on the GOP, some voters, and the left-leaning media.