Cornel West Interview: The Success & Disappointment of Obama's Presidency
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Published 2021-10-28
Cornel West is a prominent philosopher, activist, author, and professor, currently serving as the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Professor of Philosophy and Christian Practice at Union Theological Seminary. Dr. West first began his teaching career at Union Theological Seminary in 1976, when he was just 23 years old, and has since taught at Yale, Princeton, -- where he received his M.A. and Ph.D. in Philosophy, and where he still holds the title of Professor Emeritus -- Harvard, -- his alma mater -- and the University of Paris. He has authored 20 books, best known for his classics Race Matters (1993) and Democracy Matters (2004), has produced three spoken word albums, one of which he collaborated with Prince and other notables, and has appeared in over 25 documentaries and films. Additionally, he is a frequent commentator on political and social issues across several media outlets. A provocative democratic intellectual, Dr. West initially supported Barack Obama in his 2008 presidential campaign, but soon after, became one of President Obama’s fiercest critics from the left; throughout President Obama’s two terms, Dr. West cited vehement opposition on everything from his handling of the financial crisis to his handling of his Black identity and racial issues.
From the 2021 three-part HBO documentary series Obama: In Pursuit Of A More Perfect Union. The personal and political journey of President Barack Obama is explored that weaves together conversations with colleagues, friends, and critics, alongside his own speeches and interviews.
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Cornel West, Professor and Activist
Interviewed By: Peter Kunhardt
Interview Date: November 15, 2018
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All Comments (21)
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This country needs more like this man
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Dr Cornel West has always had my vote. My first vote for Obomba was with tears in my eyes. My second vote was with skeptical hesitation and hope that he would use his second term to unbind his tied hands. In the end the lesson was that rich people are all the same.
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I hope Dr. West is here for a hundred years more
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Dr. Cornell West for president 2024!!!
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An beacon of truth, sorely needed in the US, for the oppressed.
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The world needs this man to be POTUS!
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I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. West at my church in Atlanta several years ago, after he preached a beautiful sermon. He is such a kind and gentle man in person. Keep on keeping on my brother. Much Love
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Dr Cornel West is a brilliant, compassionate man. Love his interviews. Thank you for sharing.
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The world's a better place, to the extent that it is, because of the few men and women like cornell, people with status and voice, who have stood firm on the side of truth and justice. He could just as easily be cashing wall street checks, selling out his name and integrity. This makes his story all the more exceptionally inspiring ! Its not only america but our beautiful world that needs his uplifting voice.
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West understands so much, he would be an INCREDIBLE president. I hope the US doesn't screw up this opportunity.
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This is the truth and most black people saw it. I want someone in place for justice with integrity empathy passion we can't live this life without, without it we all shall fall, this country is becoming lawless no one wins.
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53 seconds in and gosh cornel west is a blessing. What democracy could be
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This was a very fascinating discussion!
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"There's nothing magical about it. This is not Disneyland or DisneyWorld."
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I love you brother West. You have however, missed a few things Barack Obama did during his presidency. 1. His endorsement of Rick Snyder when he flew to Flint Mich and in a large hall asked for “I need a glass of water … I really do.” And, when he and Hillary increased the number of wars from 3 to 7. Bailed out the banks and Wall Street as 1.5 million people lost their homes. Signed the bill: Indefinite detention without charges or trial. This was not only unforgivable but unconstitutional … particularly when he taught Constitutional law for 12 years at the University of Chicago.
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"I have a calling, not a profession." -Cornel West this says everything about this man's character.
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I never had anything against Obama because I knew he was selected. When you have a 400 plus years head start you can make anything appear to be how you want it to be.
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Everyone needs to see this before the 2024 election. Brilliant man 🎉.
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7:30 "I hate greed, i hate injustice and I hate entitlement and privilege"
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Wish I could hear more of Dr West, but my earbuds aren’t loud enough at full volume 😖
