Interview with "Make Me A Supermodel"’s Ronnie Kroell

AE: You're also very politically involved and are supporting Hillary Clinton. What made you pick her?
RK: I've been paying close attention to Hillary for quite some time. I've met her on several occasions. When I choose a candidate, I like to think of myself as neither a Democrat or a Republican. Rather I'm choosing a candidate based on the issues they’ll work the hardest at. One of the issues that sticks out in my mind is education. I was at an education summit in Washington, DC where I was lobbying for funds for Harper College in Palatine, and she was the guest speaker. She hammered home that this country needs to stop doing education as just another expenditure but rather an investment into our country's future. That really spoke to me, because I think it's so important for every American to have a strong education, to continue to better themselves, and make the most out of their life.

Secondly, she's focusing on health care and rescinding Bush's veto on legislation allowing stem cell research. My grandmother Carmella has macular degeneration, and it's a type that isn't curable at this point in time, but has the potential to be if this veto was lifted and doctors could continue stem cell research.

Moreover, I think she's a strong candidate. I don't look at the fact that she's a woman, but that she has eight years in the White House and her record speaks for itself. It's time for change. America needs a president who has a positive attitude, one who is inclusive, and stops acting unilaterally and realizes that there are other countries and leaders in this world that we need to be cooperating with.

AE: You said in the special you'd like to be president one day. Isn't this a rather unusual route to becoming president?
RK: This isn't really part of my plan. It's really and truly just one of my passions. The acting and modeling world is a part of my life. I've been singing in choirs and acting in plays since I was in grade school. This has never been, "This is my plan or map on my way to the presidency." I believe in everything in good time. There's a lot of lessons that I'm still learning.

But the biggest part of my desire to be president is to look after and protect American's rights. My diversity work allows me to come in contact with myriad groups of individuals, and it's so important to me to understand them. A lot of people look at me and say, "What's this white boy going to do for us? Who is this guy and how does he really understand us?"

The thing that sets me apart from many other people is that I question, I want to know what it's like to be an advocate for individuals and communities. I have a genuine desire. I enjoy learning about other cultures and people. The best thing I've been able to do in life is travel, being put in a place where I have to be humble and learn about someone's culture. I think as Americans we take a lot for granted, and I enjoy learning about other cultures in that way.

AE: Thanks for talking to us and good luck! We'll be rooting for you and following the show.
RK: Thank you so much!