On June 21, 2023, Hard Knock Radio, hosted by Davey D and Rosa Clemente, featured a compelling discussion with Dr. Cornel West regarding his recent declaration to seek the Green Party nomination for the United States presidency.
For those who are unfamiliar, Dr. West is an eminent American philosopher, political activist, and social critic who has often shared insights into the role of race, gender, and class in American society and the transformative power of overcoming “radical conditionedness.” He has written a number of books but is best known for the groundbreaking book ‘Race Matters’.
Rosa Alicia Clemente, an esteemed Black-Puerto Rican organizer, producer, journalist, and scholar-activist, joined as a co-host due to her own involvement with the Green Party. In 2008, Rosa served as the vice presidential nominee alongside former congresswoman Cynthia McKinney, the party’s presidential candidate. She initiated the conversation by inquiring about Dr. West’s motivations and his family’s reaction, specifically his wife.
Dr. West acknowledged his wife’s initial hesitation but conveyed that she now wholeheartedly supports his decision and is ready to embrace the challenges that lie ahead. Drawing from her own experiences, Rosa shared the difficulties encountered by third-party candidates, including death threats and legal battles aimed at impeding ballot access.
In considering his party affiliation, Dr. West explained his choice to vie for the Green Party nomination over the People’s Party ticket. Despite the arduous process of securing ballot access in all 50 states, he emphasized the Green Party’s well-established infrastructure, making it more advantageous compared to other third-party operations.
Dr. West expressed his intention to commence his campaign in Mississippi, highlighting the significance of engaging with marginalized communities often overlooked by traditional politics. He stressed the importance of shedding light on the extreme oppression faced by Black individuals throughout the southern states, both in terms of voting rights and the impact of recent legislation. Furthermore, he emphasized his intention to reach out to Trump supporters, noting the shared concern for economic inequality that resonated with many who initially voted for Bernie Sanders.
Reflecting on recent political developments, Dr. West shared his observations regarding the disillusionment felt by young Black and Brown voters who supported Joe Biden. Despite their tireless efforts during the campaign, he pointed out the inability of the Biden administration to effectively address critical issues such as voting rights, the George Floyd Bill, and student loan forgiveness, particularly due to resistance from Democratic holdouts like Senator Joe Manchin. Dr. West criticized what he perceived as hypocritical foreign policy decisions, including the handling of the war in Ukraine and steadfast support for Israel despite concerns about human rights violations against Palestinians.
In this engaging conversation, Dr. Cornel West articulated his vision for a progressive campaign rooted in addressing systemic inequalities and amplifying the voices of the marginalized. As he embarks on his presidential bid, seeking the Green Party nomination, he aims to spark dialogue, bridge divisions, and champion policies that prioritize the well-being of all Americans.
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