A Texas Army veteran and seventh-grade math teacher has changed his name to “Literally Anybody Else” to run for president. Else, formerly known as Dustin Ebey, legally changed his name in January and is urging Americans to embrace a bold vision for change. He believes that humans are driven by a sense of fairness and justice and wants to transcend the constraints of the status quo marred by corruption and partisan gridlock. Else is aiming to receive 113,000 signatures from Texas non-primary voters to secure his name on the general election ballot, but if he fails, he is urging supporters to write in his name under the “neither” option.
Although Else admits he never had a desire to actually be president, he is standing up to provide the leadership that this country deserves. He feels that if nobody else is going to make the necessary changes, then it is up to him to bring about a message of sanity and normalcy. Else recognizes that he cannot do it alone and calls for support from everyone to bring things back to normal and address issues like affordable housing, education standards, border security, and healthcare for all Americans. His mission to garner support for his campaign reflects the frustration and doubt that many Americans have expressed regarding the current political landscape and leadership.
Despite the polarizing opinions on former President Donald Trump and incumbent President Joe Biden, Else is focusing on real solutions over sound bites. A recent ABC/Ipsos poll showed that more respondents trust Trump over Biden to lead the nation, but a significant portion of respondents expressed trust in neither candidate. Else wants to provide an outlet for those who are fed up with the power struggle between the two parties and seek leadership that benefits the common person. He emphasizes a need for change and a departure from the divisive nature of politics in order to move towards a better future.
Else’s dedication to his campaign priorities and the pursuit of good leadership in government is evident in his decision to run for president. Despite not initially desiring the role, he recognizes the importance of standing up for what is right and making a difference in the current political climate. As a middle school teacher, Else brings a unique perspective and a genuine desire to improve the lives of everyday Americans. His call to action for support and a plea for bringing back normalcy and sanity to the political arena reflect his deep commitment to making positive change.
Ultimately, whether Else wins or loses, he plans to change his name back to Dustin Ebey. This decision to revert to his original name highlights his understanding that the role he has taken on is temporary, but the impact he hopes to make on the country and its leadership is lasting. By embodying the idea of being “Literally Anybody Else” in the pursuit of the presidency, Else exemplifies a sense of duty and responsibility to his fellow Americans and a willingness to challenge the current political establishment for the betterment of society.
