Andrew Yang's big debate surprise might actually be illegal

MONEY FOR EVERYONE
(Image credit: Scott Eisen/Getty Images)

In the lead-up to Thursday night's Democratic debate, entrepreneur Andrew Yang tantalizingly teased that he was going to do "something no presidential candidate has ever done before in history." What could it possibly be?, people wondered. Was he going to crowd surf? Forgo a suit? Curse (again)?

The correct answer might actually be "violate campaign-finance law." Based on prepared remarks provided to Time, is sounds like Yang actually plans to promote his universal basic income proposal, the Freedom Dividend, by announcing during the debate his intention to give 10 randomly-selected families $1,000 a month for a full year.

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Jeva Lange

Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.