FORT WORTH, TEXAS – With the upcoming rematch between Joe Biden and Donald Trump looming over American voters, dissatisfaction with the two major-party candidates has reached new heights. Enter Literally Anybody Else, a Texas man who has taken a unique approach to offer disenchanted voters an alternative option.
Formerly known as Dustin Ebey, the 35-year-old U.S. Army veteran and seventh-grade math teacher in Birdville, Texas, near Fort Worth, has legally changed his name to Literally Anybody Else and thrown his hat into the presidential ring. Expressing frustration with the political status quo, Else believes that the American people deserve better than the current options presented to them.
“Three hundred million people can do better than Biden and Trump,” Else stated in an interview with The Guardian. “There really should be some outlet for people like me who are just so fed up with this constant power grab between the two parties that just has no benefit to the common person.”
A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted in January revealed that about two-thirds of Americans are “tired of seeing the same candidates in presidential elections and want someone new.” With nearly a third of respondents still undecided between Biden and Trump for November’s election, Else’s unconventional candidacy has struck a chord with many disillusioned voters.
“People are voting for the lesser of two evils, not someone they actually believe in or support,” Else emphasized in an interview with local news outlet WFAA88. “People should have the option to vote for someone who resembles and represents them.”
On his campaign website, Literally Anybody Else argues that America deserves more than the “King of Debt” and an 81-year-old candidate, referring to Biden and Trump, respectively. He sees his candidacy not as a person, but as a rallying cry for change.
However, Else faces significant hurdles in his quest for the presidency. To appear on the ballot in Texas as an independent candidate, he must gather more than 113,000 signatures by May 13. Recognizing the challenge, Else is encouraging supporters to write his name on the ballot as an alternative option.
While his chances of securing enough signatures within the tight timeframe are slim, Literally Anybody Else’s unconventional campaign highlights a growing discontent among voters and underscores the need for alternative voices in American politics.
