Andrew Yang says he left the Democratic Party to become independent

Andrew Yang, a former presidential candidate and former technology entrepreneur, announced on Monday that he had left the Democratic Party and became independent.

Yang, who won a passionate following in 2019 during the party's primaries, highlighted his work for Democrats. He noted the deep relationships he had developed with local activists and leaders and the fundraisers he had spearheaded, and received credit for helping to elect party candidates, including President Biden.

However, he described the two-party system as “stuck,” saying he could be more “honest” about politics and politicians if he weren't limited by official affiliation as a Democrat. Yang offered his support for alternative electoral systems such as open primaries and rank-and-file voting, saying these were "fundamental reforms" that would give voters more choice in campaigns.

“I believe I can reach people outside the system more effectively,” he wrote. “I feel more … independent.”

Mr. Yang has struggled to find his balance since he shot to prominence during the 2020 race. One of the highest profile Asian Americans to ever run a presidential campaign, Yang has won over a legion of dissatisfied voters with proposals like providing the all Americans a universal basic income of $1,000 a month.

After ending his unlikely campaign, he joined CNN as a political commentator, started his own podcast, and moved to Georgia to help Democrats win Senate races in January.

A bid for New York mayor this spring ended in defeat after Yang struggled to answer basic questions about the city's government functions and failed to capitalize on the initial momentum.

Last month, he announced plans to found his own political party called “The Forward Party” – a phrase taken from the last chapter of his new book.

In an excerpt from his book published by Politico Magazine this week, Mr. Yang recounted the awkwardness of running for president and how the experience had inflated his sense of his own importance.

“I was CEO and founder of a company, but running for office was something different,” he wrote. “Everyone in my orbit started treating me like I was a presidential candidate. I was taking a crash course in how we treat the very powerful – and it was weird. ”

He added: "It turns out that power actually causes brain damage."

After controversy, Wiggins relents and vaccinates himself against Covid

Warriors coach says the player finally met the requirement before the season

After a long and controversial standoff, Andrew Wiggins had to give in. The Golden State Warriors player had filed a religious exception appeal against the mandatory vaccination in the franchise's home games. But in the face of the NBA's refusal, he got vaccinated, according to coach Steve Kerr.

- Andrew got vaccinated. He told me today that he was okay with our recognition and that's the end of that story. So, I will no longer answer questions about it beyond this one - said the coach.

Last week, Wiggins reinforced his anti-vaccine stance. He stated that despite the pressure, he would not budge.

- I'm definitely against the wall, but I'll keep fighting for what I believe. I will continue to fight for what I believe is right. What is right for one person is not right for another and vice versa,” he said.

Unvaccinated players will be able to compete in the NBA season, but will need to be tested daily in practice, on travel days, and at least once (possibly more) on game days. New York Knicks, New York Nets and Warriors, however, face tougher rules due to legislation in New York and San Francisco – which will not apply to visiting teams.

Wiggins averaged 18.6 points and 4.9 rebounds last season and is considered an important part of the squad. The hope of the Warriors' exhaustion, according to the NBC network, is that any financial sanctions will make the athlete change his mind. When questioned by reporters, however, Wiggins said any financial loss was his problem, not the journalists.

Last Thursday, the NBA reached 95% of its players vaccinated against Covid-19 with at least the first dose. The number increased after the re-introduction of the athletes and the beginning of the pre-season. The league has already made it clear that players who cannot enter the court because of local restrictions on non-vaccinated will have their salary deducted for games they lose. Rules of coexistence on trips and in arenas will also be tougher for those who are not immunized.