#AmericaNeedsYang Trends as 7th Democratic Debate Proceeds Without Andrew Yang on Stage
As the 2020 candidates took the stage in Des Moines, Iowa for the seventh Democratic debate on Tuesday evening, the hashtag #AmericaNeedsYang began trending on Twitter, with tens of thousands of Andrew Yang supporters voicing their disappointment that the former tech entrepreneur didn't qualify to take part in the event.
Yang did not appear on Tuesday's debate stage at Drake University. The candidate only met the threshold in just two of the four required polls as of Friday night, when the window ended. To qualify, candidates were required to have raised money from at least 225,000 donors and reach 5 percent in at least four national polls or hit 7 percent in two polls from early voting states. Three days later, on Monday, Yang reached 5 percent in another poll, which could have brought him closer to the finish line. Despite this, Yang's 2020 campaign has continued to thrive in fundraising, after having raised $16.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2019.
Six candidates qualified in the narrowing Democratic primary field: Senators Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar, as well as former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, former Vice President Joe Biden and billionaire Tom Steyer.
As the six qualifying candidates appeared on stage, tens of thousands Yang supporters, also known as the Yang Gang, took to Twitter to make the case for why he should be up there debating. Others noted that without Yang, the stage contained only white candidates. The movement elevated #AmericaNeedsYang to the second-most trending topic on the social media platform in the United States.
"#AmericaNeedsYang because he is *by the numbers* the strongest candidate against @realDonaldTrump," Twitter user @gang4610 wrote.
#AmericaNeedsYang because he is *by the numbers* the strongest candidate against @realDonaldTrump pic.twitter.com/GJSJJiYDpO
— John King stan 🧢🚀🍎 (@gang4610) January 15, 2020
"Dear @TheDemocrats, An all-white stage of boring Career Politicians and a billionaire is not going to motivate a high young voter turn out. You know what would inspire a large young voter turn out? A fresh, charismatic, energizing candidate like @AndrewYang #AmericaNeedsYang," Twitter user @yanggangrising wrote.
Dear @TheDemocrats,
— Evan Marquardt (@yanggangrising) January 15, 2020
An all-white stage of boring Career Politicians and a billionaire is not going to motivate a high young voter turn out.
You know what would inspire a large young voter turn out?
A fresh, charismatic, energizing candidate like @AndrewYang #AmericaNeedsYang
"#AmericaNeedsYang because a 15 year old boy stood up at Andrew's townhall today and told him he was put in a group home because his mom was addicted to meth, and all they had to eat was donated food that wasn't healthy - as if any kid should ever be in that position at all," Twitter user @YangVets wrote.
#AmericaNeedsYang because a 15 year old boy stood up at Andrew's townhall today and told him he was put in a group home because his mom was addicted to meth, and all they had to eat was donated food that wasn't healthy - as if any kid should ever be in that position at all.
— Heidi, Veterans for Humanity 🧢🌺🍎🇺🇲 (@YangVets) January 15, 2020
"Definitely missing @AndrewYang on the #DemDebate stage tonight! #DemocraticDebate #AmericaNeedsYang," singer Jann Klose tweeted.
Definitely missing @AndrewYang on the #DemDebate stage tonight! #DemocraticDebate #AmericaNeedsYang
— Jann Klose (@JannKloseBand) January 15, 2020
Yang also used the hashtag in numerous posts throughout the first half of the debate.
This debate is an opportunity to disseminate a vision out to the American people. Andrew reliably does this during his time speaking. Missing that boost tonight.
— Andrew Yang🧢🇺🇸 (@AndrewYang) January 15, 2020
via @carson_tueller
#AmericaNeedsYang
See more tweets below:
So far Andrew Yang has received about as much speaking time as a normal debate. #AmericaNeedsYang
— Eric Ming (@ericming) January 15, 2020
#AmericaNeedsYang because automation and AI are really here to take the jobs that people have held. @AndrewYang knows how to transition us safely into the 21st century. https://t.co/GHNpihW3Vl
— Kimi Avary 🧢💖🇺🇸 Humanity First (@KimiAvary) January 15, 2020
It's not just about the ideas, it's about HOW we are going to execute those ideas. Andrew Yang clearly has thought out every single one of his ideas. He's done his research. #AmericaNeedsYang
— bird🧢 (@YipBird) January 15, 2020
I've gone 5,000 years without talking to a single Chinese person, much less endorsing one.
— God (@TheTweetOfGod) January 15, 2020
But dammit, #AmericaNeedsYang.
Speaks the least on debate stage. Raises millions.
— Zach Graumann🧢 (@Zach_Graumann) January 15, 2020
Doesn’t even get invited to debate because of lack of “approved” polls. Trends anyways.#AmericaNeedsYang
Debate with out @AndrewYang is boring as f*ck all #AmericaNeedsYang
— Jason Starr 🧢 (@JasonStarrBooks) January 15, 2020
#AmericaNeedsYang I knew this way back when I joined Yang Gang early last year n then went to the April Vegas Rally!
— Myles tuser5555🧢 (@tuser5555) January 15, 2020
C me in the front row?🧢💙😀 pic.twitter.com/4yUDbmrRE4
#AmericaNeedsYang because he is the only one that has a plan to help all Americans through the fourth industrial revolution. @AndrewYang knows why you may feel like everything is not alright, even when the media is telling you everything is great! Make the right choice America!
— Elasa YangGang🧢🖖😷♍ (@CrystalsLady) January 15, 2020
