
Ceasefire Cornel West & Robert George w/ strategists John Feehery & Joel Payne
Nov 29, 2025
Cornel West, a philosopher and political activist, and Robert P. George, a conservative legal scholar, engage in a thought-provoking discussion on political integrity and character. They emphasize the need for honest, respectful dialogue in polarized times and denounce political violence. West reflects on his presidential run for social justice, while George shares his resignation from a board over ethical concerns. Republican strategist John Feehery and Democratic strategist Joel Payne analyze economic anxieties affecting voters and discuss the implications of upcoming elections.
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Lead With Shared Humanity
- Begin political or personal disagreements by affirming shared humanity and mutual love before debating specifics.
- Prioritize dignity, respect, and nonjudgmental listening to keep conversations constructive.
Don't Center Every Talk On Politics
- Don’t make every interaction about politics; talk about shared relationships and common commitments first.
- Use frank, plain speech (parrhesia) but avoid judging people solely by their politics.
Character Trumps Short‑Term Posturing
- Integrity and character create public trust by producing consistent, principled action over time.
- Politicians fixated on polls and reelection often sacrifice that durable character for short-term gain.






