Wyclef Jean Will Not Be Haiti’s Next President

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AP / Diane Bondareff

Wyclef Jean is overcome with emotion in New York while discussing his visit to quake-stricken Haiti in January.

This is news that will come as a relief to some (ahem, Sean Penn): Former Fugee and wannabe Haitian president Wyclef Jean has conceded that he’s not in the running to become his homeland’s next leader and has officially withdrawn from the race. Now, he’s going back to his music, and apparently this brush with politics will provide the fodder for his next artistic endeavor. —KA

Reuters:

After weeks of quiet but painstaking reflection with my wife and daughter, I have chosen to end my bid for the presidency of Haiti,” the singer-songwriter said in a statement.

“This was not an easy conclusion to reach; but it is one that was thoughtfully made,” Jean added.

The Haitian-born Jean, who has lived most of his life in the United States, said he would now focus on his music. He said he planned to release a new album next year titled “If I were President, the Haitian Experience.”

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TAGS: candidate fugees haiti president sean penn wyclef jean

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By Tobysgirl, September 24, 2010 at 7:15 am Link to this comment

I’m sure if the government here wanted him to be president of Haiti, he would be. Shameful, shameful, shameful, the persecution of Haiti by the U.S., Canada, and France. I once wrote they already have a president, and the commenter here on Truthdig didn’t even know what I meant. Pathetic, that people don’t even remember the U.S. coup against Aristede.

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By Rich, September 23, 2010 at 7:52 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)

Alternate titles for his upcoming album: “Money Made Me Think I Could Be President of Haiti”, or “My Ego is Bigger Than Haiti”, or possibly “Where the Hell Is Pras?”

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By Maani, September 23, 2010 at 5:08 pm Link to this comment

Right, sure: a pop star as president of Haiti. That’s about as likely as…a B-movie actor becoming president of the United States!

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By bogglesthemind, September 23, 2010 at 2:16 pm Link to this comment

“Wyclef Jean Will Not Be Haiti’s Next President”

It’s a good thing. This guy has Papa/Baby Doc written all
over him.

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By M L, September 23, 2010 at 12:14 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)

Instead of being feared for our military prowess, we should be respected for our dedication to human life and rights. It’s time to help the Haitian people rebuild their infrastructure and lives. Sean Penn is a true hero for spending his time and money helping the people in tent city with the basic needs of water, food, shelter and medical care.

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