Andrew Yang Is a Stand-Up Comedian Now?
Then-mayoral candidate Andrew Yang speaking to his supporters on June 13, 2021 in New York City. (John Lamparski / NurPhoto via AP)

Andrew Yang Is a Stand-Up Comedian Now?

Listen to the last two minutes of the former mayoral and presidential candidate's surprise set at the Asian Comedy Fest.

What has former mayoral and presidential candidate Andrew Yang been up to lately? Aside from giving a few interviews on the political party he's founded, it seems he's found the time to pick up a new pursuit—stand-up comedy. 

On Thursday night, Yang made a surprise appearance on stage at this year's Asian Comedy Fest, which included sets by notable names like Ronny Chieng of "The Daily Show" and MC Jin, the hip-hop artist who lately has styled himself as a "rapmedian." 

"I thought, well, OK, maybe this is some kind of speech, maybe he's gonna announce some kind of thing that he's launching. I really didn't know what was going to happen," one attendee told Hell Gate of Yang's set at the East Village bar Sugar Mouse. 

That attendee, who asked to remain anonymous out of concerns over harassment by the remaining members of the Yang Gang, added, "It was pretty clear that he was actually trying to do jokes. It wasn't just a speech or some kind of talk, it was definitely trying to be funny."

He added, "I guess now he's just trying to do stand up for some reason, and that was confusing to me."


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