US Presidential candidate Cornel West on Israel Hamas war, greedy ruling class and Biden vs Trump

Summary

In a thought-provoking podcast, Professor Cornel West, a prominent American intellectual, philosopher, and independent presidential candidate, discusses the moral decay and spiritual decay of the American Empire, particularly its foreign policy concerning Israel. West criticizes the United States for enabling and facilitating what he describes as a genocide in Israel, and he calls for a radical change in U.S. policy. He advocates for a one-state solution with equal rights and dignity for both Jews and Palestinians, and he emphasizes the need for a fundamental shift in American politics away from corporate greed and towards social justice. West also addresses the challenges of systemic racism, the importance of social movements, and the potential for change through political education and activism. He underscores the importance of hope and the power of truth-telling in the face of despair, drawing on his background as a black thinker and his commitment to social justice.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ Professor Cornell West is running for president as an independent candidate, offering an alternative to the current political choices.
• 🌍 West criticizes the American Empire for its deep spiritual decay and moral decadence, particularly in its foreign policy regarding Israel.
• 🏛️ He accuses the United States of enabling and facilitating what he describes as genocide and barbarity in the Middle East.
• 🤝 West advocates for a one-state solution in the Middle East where both Jews and Palestinians can live with safety, security, and equality.
• 💪 West emphasizes the importance of moral consistency and taking responsibility for actions, rejecting the use of 'anti-Semitic' to silence critics.
• 👥 He believes there is a growing number of Americans who are waking up to the organized greed and institutionalized hatred in the country.
• 🕊️ West aims to dismantle the American Empire and move towards a more dignified role for the U.S. on the global stage.
• 🏥 He is a strong supporter of socialized healthcare, the abolition of poverty and homelessness, and workers' rights, including paid leave.
• ✊ West is driven by hope and a tradition of fighting against despair, inspired by the resilience and struggle of Black Americans.
• 👮‍♂️ He condemns the repression of peaceful demonstrations and the excessive use of police force, an issue he sees as unchanged despite public outcry.
• 🌈 West's campaign is about bearing witness to the truth, seeking justice, and advocating for a better world, even if it's considered a 'naive dream' by some.

Q & A

What is the main concern expressed by Professor West regarding the American Empire?

Professor West expresses deep concern about the American Empire's moral decay and spiritual decadence, particularly in relation to its foreign policy towards Israel, which he perceives as enabling and facilitating acts of criminality and barbarity.

How does Professor West describe the current state of the United States in terms of its political leadership?

He describes the United States as being led by politicians who are tied to organized greed at the top and are contributing to institutionalized hatred. He criticizes both Trump and Biden, suggesting they are pushing the country towards civil unrest and global conflict, respectively.

What does Professor West believe is the role of the United States in the Israel-Palestine conflict?

Professor West believes that the United States is enabling and facilitating what he describes as a genocide in the Israel-Palestine conflict. He accuses the U.S. of being a genocidal denier, attempting to convince the world that atrocities are not occurring when they are.

What is Professor West's stance on the use of the term 'anti-Semitic' in the context of criticizing Israel's actions?

He argues that the term 'anti-Semitic' is sometimes used to silence criticism of Israel's actions. He believes that just as Jews have been victims of genocide, they are also capable of committing it, and that using the term 'anti-Semitic' to deflect from responsibility is morally inconsistent.

What alternative solution does Professor West propose for the Israel-Palestine conflict?

Professor West suggests that the two-state solution is no longer viable due to the number of settlements. Instead, he proposes a one-state solution with either a federation or a unified state where both Jews and Palestinians can live with safety, security, dignity, and equality.

What is Professor West's ultimate goal for his presidential campaign?

His ultimate goal is not just to become president, but to dismantle the American Empire and move towards a foreign policy that does not seek full spectrum dominance or impose its will globally. He aims to create a more decent and dignified nation among nations.

How does Professor West view the current state of healthcare in the United States?

He views the current state of healthcare in the United States as a sign of moral bankruptcy, highlighting the lack of universal access to healthcare as a significant issue.

What does Professor West believe is necessary for real change in American politics?

Professor West believes that real change requires massive political education, truth-telling, and the mobilization of people outside of the system to create pressure and provide wiggle room for action within the system.

How does Professor West respond to the criticism that his campaign is a 'naive dream'?

He acknowledges the criticism but argues that bearing witness to the truth and justice is as important as engaging with practical alternatives. He believes in the power of social movements and the importance of maintaining a vision alongside practical reflections.

What does Professor West think about the potential of his campaign to inadvertently aid Donald Trump's re-election?

He acknowledges the risk but emphasizes that he believes in allowing citizens to think critically and make their own choices. He suggests that his campaign is appealing to those who have given up on the system or those who would not vote for either major party.

How does Professor West differentiate his approach from that of Bernie Sanders, who has chosen to support Joe Biden?

While he has a deep love for Sanders, Professor West disagrees with his decision to support Biden, believing that Sanders recognizes the difficulties of staying within the Democratic party and its ties to corporate interests and imperial policies. West believes in the importance of integrity and not adjusting to an unjust status quo.