WYCLEF’S BIG ON PALIN: On Monday night, at about the time the Republican presidential hopefuls were onstage to debate in Tampa, Wyclef Jean was at the Urban Zen Center in the West Village talking the future of the American right. Donna Karan was hosting an after party for her Donna Karan Collection show which earlier that day doubled as the opening of an exhibit of the Haitian artwork that had inspired the show. When the Haitian-born Jean arrived, Karan made sure to point out that both she and he are Libras. Despite his recent failed presidential bid in Haiti, the rapper still showed a penchant for politics, speaking at length about his a laptop per child initiative and his recent role as ambassador at large (“I have a diplomatic passport,” he said.) He was also at ease talking American politics.
“I have to tell you this: I am a huge fan of Sarah Palin,” the former Fugee said. “Cause she’s rad. She’s shrewd. She’s cool. Because at the end of the day, I’m for the people, because this is the United States of America…this is what America’s really about. Anyone should have the right to say, ‘Look I can do the job and this is what qualifies me to do the job.’….Now my wife probably will debate and disagree with me.”
Seeming to sense a little bit of disbelief, he qualified his statement.
“I’m not saying she could be the next president, you know, but there’s something about her. Heavy debates in my house. Whenever I say Sarah Palin, people think I’m crazy, but I like her, I do. I can like whoever. This is America, right?”