Cornel West (Independent) announced his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election on June 5, 2023. As of Oct. 9, West will appear on the ballot in 15 states, including the battleground states of Michigan, North Carolina, and Wisconsin. West completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. These survey responses allow voters to hear directly from candidates about what motivates them to run for office. This article provides excerpts from his responses. To read his full survey, click here.
What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?
- “Free Palestine against Israeli genocide – end the occupation. Cease funding of weapon sales to Israel.”
- “Abolish poverty and homelessness through Universal Basic Income (UBI) for all workers and reparations for descendants of slavery. Guarantee Medicare for All as a human right.”
- “Dismantle the US empire and its military bases across the globe. End full spectrum dominance.”
Why should people vote for you instead of one of your opponents?
“I’ve taught in prison for over 50 years. I’ve been at the forefront of the Occupy Wall Street movement. I’ve displayed a moral and ethical consistency in fighting for truth, justice and love.”
What is the most important policy issue none of your competitors are talking about?
“Reparations for Black U.S. Residents embody our acknowledgment of the deep moral debt owed to the descendants of those who suffered under the brutalities of slavery and Jim Crow. This commitment to reparations seeks not only to address the financial injustices but also to initiate a process of healing and reconciliation, recognizing the profound scars left by centuries of systemic racism.”
What would your approach be to foreign policy?
“My approach to foreign policy is rooted in peace, diplomacy, and the global struggle for justice. America must stop being the world’s policeman and instead work toward dismantling military-industrial complexes that thrive on endless war. We should prioritize diplomacy, human rights, and international cooperation over military intervention. My administration would focus on reducing our military footprint abroad, challenging global inequality, and supporting grassroots movements around the world fighting for freedom, dignity, and democracy. We need a foreign policy that uplifts humanity and recognizes our shared global destiny.”
The role and powers of the presidency have changed over time. Do you believe that they have changed for the better, and if so, why or why not?
“The powers of the presidency have certainly expanded over time, and not always for the better. The concentration of power in the executive branch has led to dangerous abuses, often at the expense of democratic checks and balances. Presidents have wielded this power in ways that too often serve the interests of the wealthy and the corporate elite, rather than the people. I believe that presidential powers should be exercised with restraint, humility, and an unshakable sense of duty to the people—especially those who’ve been left out of the so-called ‘American Dream.’ Power should always serve justice and be wielded in the interests of the common good, not as a tool of imperialism or authoritarianism.”
We ask all federal, state, and local candidates with profiles on Ballotpedia to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. Ask the candidates in your area to fill out the survey.
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