Jimmy McMillan, the founder of the Rent Is Too Damn High party, may have failed in his bid for governor but that’s done little to quash his ambition – or his opinions.

Mr. McMillan, who’s 64, still has a broad and ambitious plan for change through his party, which includes banning bike lanes, cutting taxes and, of course, lowering rents. And then there is his most grand  – and quixotic – plan of all: a run for the White House in 2012.

“We have bird-brained economic leaders,” he told The Local in an interview. “People need money to spend. And it boils down to one thing: the rent is too damn high.”

Mr. McMillan spoke with The Local about his lingering ambitions, his plans for the future – he’s planning to hold a news conference in Tompkins Square Park next week to officially kick off his presidential bid – and his deep ties to the East Village.

What’s the first thing you’ll do for the East Village as president?

We need new leadership. The first thing I would do is meet with the governor and direct Cuomo to reduce the property taxes. Property taxes in the East Village are crazy.

What other issue would you tackle?

You’ve got to stop paying people in the government a football player salary. Make some reductions, and the East Village will benefit from it.

Bike lane use is a big issue in the East Village. How would you handle that issue?

Get rid of them. You have cars running up on bicycle lanes —  people are getting run over. These are idiots! There are not enough bicyclists. I did a personal count. In one week in the East Village on First Avenue and Second Avenue, there were about 25 people on each avenue. It’s not enough. They’re better for states with warmer climates, like in Florida. You cannot have bicycle lanes where there is snow.

State Senator Daniel L. Squadron told The Local he’s working to improve bike lanes. Would you work with local leaders on this issue?

They’re all just running their mouths off, state senators, city council. That’s a game they play to keep your mind stupid. Why hasn’t he called me?

New York rent laws are expiring in June. How would you handle this issue?

Abolish them. They are ineffective and are not working for the people. I would have people’s rent reduced to $550 a month for buildings built before 2001. For buildings built after 2001, $750 per month. Size doesn’t matter. Market value is a bunch of crap. It’s a plan to run out the poor.

You have a personal connection to the East Village.

My son lives in the East Village, I taught karate in the East Village. I’m talking about the welfare of my child. I left there and came to Brooklyn because I didn’t love my wife. I needed to give her space to raise my son. When I go to the East Village and see the homeless, I was homeless, too. When I left my wife in the East Village, I had nowhere to stay.

What’s your opinion of President Barack Obama?

Obama is a smooth, fast-talker from Chicago. He’s been there long enough.

What do you think of Mr. Obama’s politics?

Obama is being played by his own Democratic colleagues. They are stabbing him in the back. I would have no problem getting any bill passed before the House and the Senate.

He hasn’t done anything to create the jobs that he said he would do. I can do it in two months. I guarantee you, if I’m sworn in in January, jobs will pop up in February. There is a formula he is not using.

What in your opinion has Mr. Obama done wrong?

National security, it will not come from my lips. I will not address national security matters during my presidential campaign. Don’t ask me. I will not discuss anything concerning Afghanistan and Iraq. You’re hurting the guys in the field. What about their families?

Are you still planning on running on the Republican ticket?

I’m looking for the party that I decide to run under. I’m looking for the party that will take this campaign seriously. I changed my party, but I won’t disclose what it is until I make my official announcement. If I run with the Republicans, they’re going to have to change. They’ve scared everyone. They’re saying nothing about nothing. Whatever party I run under, I want them to know I’m not satisfied with anything coming from any elected official.

You were parodied on Saturday Night Live last weekend. What do you say to people who don’t take you seriously?

They think I’m just a clown, that it’s just a big joke. I respect them for making me look silly; it’s part of their entertainment. But they’re in for a rude awakening.