Cornel West: Could enough votes taken from Joe Biden help Donald Trump get elected?
Feb 12, 2024
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Cornel West, high-profile philosopher, writer and activist, discusses his reasons for running for president and the potential impact on the election. They delve into America's inequality, wealth disparity, war crimes, and the changing dynamics of black voter support. The host challenges West about his ambitions as a third-party candidate, with Bernie Sanders disagreeing.
Cornel West's independent presidential campaign aims to highlight issues of inequality and militarism in America, focusing on the suffering of poor and working-class people and promoting justice.
West's criticism of President Joe Biden's stance on Israel's war in Gaza is driven by his commitment to addressing the suffering of Palestinians and his Christian beliefs, and could impact the presidential race by drawing votes away from Biden and potentially favoring Trump's re-election.
Deep dives
Cornell West's Presidential Campaign
Professor Cornell West, a prominent academic writer and activist, is running for president as a socialist candidate. Despite lacking organization and financial resources, West believes his campaign can make a difference by highlighting the issues of inequality and militarism in America. His focus is on addressing the suffering of poor and working-class people and promoting justice. While his campaign is still in its early stages, West aims to gain support from the significant portion of the population that does not vote and is disproportionately poor and working-class.
West's Views on Israel and Gaza
West is deeply critical of President Joe Biden's stance on Israel's war in Gaza, viewing it as enabling genocide. He emphasizes the need for moral consistency and denounces any form of genocide, ethnic cleansing, or apartheid. While some Jewish groups may see his criticism as anti-Semitic, West asserts that he fights against all forms of hatred and discrimination. His commitment is driven by his Christian beliefs and his determination to address the suffering experienced by Palestinians.
The Impact and Controversy of West's Candidacy
West's candidacy could impact the presidential race, potentially drawing votes away from both Biden and Donald Trump. While some conservatives appreciate his integrity and vision, which aligns with their values, his focus on issues such as Israel and economic inequality may resonate with young progressives and Arab Americans who are dissatisfied with Biden's policies. However, critics argue that West's candidacy could ultimately divide the progressive vote and potentially favor Trump's re-election. Despite skepticism and criticism, West remains steadfast in his pursuit of justice and transformation for America.
Stephen Sackur is in New York City to speak to Cornel West, the high-profile philosopher, writer and activist who has launched his own bid for the White House. Running as independent, he looks unlikely to win but could this anti-war socialist take enough votes from Joe Biden to help Donald Trump get elected a second time?
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