Presidential elections in the United States have become very dynamic popularity contests. A candidate could be the smartest, most forward thinking in the race, but still not be the favored candidate among Primary voters. In a crowded field, it is very likely that highly qualified candidates will be ignored when standing next to candidates with more name recognition and deeper pockets to buy more ads. In any case, Andrew Yang has probably led the most successful unsuccessful campaign for President in modern American history. Having never served as a Senator, Congressman, or Governor, and without the deep pockets and media support that many others had, Andrew Yang hustled his way onto the debate stage over and over again and impressed voters at every turn.

Andrew Yang was also a notably kind candidate never tearing down his political opponents, never yelling from the debate stage, and never launching unnecessary attacks at frontrunners. Andrew Yang has been a class act, and you can bet that the other candidates have noticed. There are at least two Presidential candidates remaining that might consider Andrew Yang as a candidate for Vice President. And, it is conceivable that ALL of the remaining candidates are brainstorming ways to include Andrew Yang in their administrations. Secretary of Labor, Secretary of Commerce, and numerous appointed advisory roles would be reasonable placements for Andrew Yang.

Andrew Yang has also positioned himself to attract support for a run for Congress, if he wanted to go that route. And, given the global nature of the problems Andrew Yang forecasted in his campaign, namely automation and AI, he could also take on an international role in an administration. This conjecture is all assuming Andrew Yang will want to stay politically active after seeing how the meat is made. He could go a different route and serve in the private sector tackling the challenges of automation and artificial intelligence as a captain of industry.

One thing is clear. Andrew Yang is now a staple of American leadership. Whatever he decides to do next, we all know he is going to be around for a long time leading the conversations related to the greatest economic transition of our time. And, he doesn’t have to be in elected office to continue to build his influence. His following is continuing to grow mostly because of his foresight. As his predictions prove correct, he will gain more mainstream credibility.

Candidates like Vice President Biden, Senator Sanders, and Senator Warren will undoubtedly leave a legacy of influence on the 21st century, but if we think about who is going to be the active voice of the future over the next 20–30 years, Andrew Yang might be at the front of the pack alongside Congresswomen Gabbard and Ocasio-Cortez. Mayor Buttigieg might force himself to be relevant for the next few decades, but that will be largely dependent on Pete’s ability to get elected either on the ticket this cycle or to Congress in the coming years. It is clear though that Andrew Yang has been far more precise about his predictions and solutions than Mayor Buttigieg, which will hopefully gain Andrew Yang some favor in the near future.

There will undoubtedly be other rising stars to join the ranks of Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez, Andrew Yang, and Mayor Buttigieg. The enduring question for these young leaders will be, “Who is most prepared to lead America in an increasingly volatile future?” Andrew Yang may not have won the Presidency, but he has proved that he has the unique ability of foresight. Given how much his message has resonated over the past two years, it is clear his leadership and voice are here to stay. The Humanity First movement has only just begun.