In a striking critique of the American political system, a Texas school math teacher named Literally Anybody Else—formerly known as Dustin Ebey—is challenging the entrenched two-party structure by running for President of the United States as an independent candidate. The 35-year-old Army veteran is diligently gathering the necessary 113,000 signatures from Texas voters who abstained from participating in the presidential primary contests, aiming to secure a spot on the November ballot alongside likely candidates Joe Biden and Donald Trump.
Literally Anybody Else articulated his grievances and aspirations during an interview with the WFAA network in Dallas. "My name is Literally Anybody Else and I'm running for president," he declared, symbolizing his protest against a system that has exclusively elected Republicans and Democrats for over a century and a half. His campaign is rooted in the belief that out of 300 million Americans, the country can certainly find better leadership options than those typically presented.
The heart of his message is a call for an alternative to what he describes as the "lesser of two evils" voting dilemma. Else argues that Americans should have the opportunity to elect a president who truly represents their interests and values, rather than settling for candidates they do not genuinely support.
Despite the monumental challenge of qualifying for the ballot in Texas and potentially other states, Else remains cautiously optimistic. "I'm not delusional. This will be very hard to do, but it's not impossible," he stated. His ultimate goal is to appear on the ballot right below the names of Donald Trump and Joe Biden, providing voters with a fresh and distinct choice in what is expected to be a closely contested election.
Else’s campaign, highlighted by his public appearances in a T-shirt emblazoned with "Literally Anybody Else 2024," embodies a broader discontent with the current political landscape and a rallying cry for systemic change. Whether he manages to qualify for the ballot or not, his candidacy serves as a poignant statement about the desire for more representative options in American presidential politics.