Cornel West Interview: The Success & Disappointment of Obama's Presidency
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- Cornel West recalls meeting, working with, challenging, and critiquing Barack Obama. West discusses Obama’s candidacy, the symbolic importance of becoming the first black president and the importance of keeping Martin Luther King Jr.s Legacy alive.
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
© Home Box Office and Kunhardt Film Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
#CornelWest #kunhardtfilmfoundation - Krátké a kreslené filmy
Dr. Cornell West for president 2024!!!
If we screw up this opportunity (which im afraid is a likely outcome), then we deserve whatever happens as a result! Dr. West almost seems like our final hope!
@@therhinoceros1doh! 😂 Still a chance tho: Justice for All 2024 -- ****
I love him, but he has no chance to win. @@therhinoceros1
What about tRump?
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.
Well said Ms.Anita!
Unfortunately, class separatism impedes progress over race representation. The phrase "not all skinfolk are kinfolk" symbolizes that well.
The black youth who are stealing and looting stores and causing mayhem in Democrat run cities were in grade/middle/high school when Obama was President(7-15 years ago), so it is safe to say in his time as President he failed to teach them law and order.
5 wives and back child support! The brother still owes the IRS back taxes! No plans for either! You know, I think he'll give us Trump for another 4 long years! But brother Cornel doesn't seem to care. He and his 5th wife makes over $250,000 a year--they don't seem to care if Trump wins again (even though Trump lost the popular vote both in 2026 and 2020)!
@@logicallydashing "WE'RE ALL KINFOLK!!!"
"The PROBLEM" is, "WE ALL" have MORALLY WEAK/"CORRUPT" and/or "SOCIOPATHICALLY AVARICIOUS" KINFOLK!!!
But, the question is, ARE WE the KINFOLK, with the "CHARACTER OF CONSCIENCE" to "DO WHAT'S RIGHT" DESPITE THE CHALLENGES/ CONSEQUENCES!!!
For "RATIONALLY SANE" Leadership Dr. "CORNEL WEST" for President 2024 "or BUST!!!"
We/"AMERICA" made it happen once, with "BARACK OBAMA;" and, "WE" (AMERICA) made it through OUR "FINANCIAL CRISIS" TOGTHER, despite an "ENTIRE" REPUBLICAN PARTY "SABOTAGING" AMERICA'S efforts "EVERY STEP OF THE WAY!!!"
And, then there was TRUMP!!!
Now, are "WE" WILLING to "SAVE" OUR COUNTRY ("AMERICAN IDEALS" and "DEMOCRACY") from essentially THE SAME "MORALLY CORRUPT," SOCIOPATHICALLY AVARICIOUS, "TREASONOUS" INSURRECTIONIST "REPUBLICAN Party" KINFOLK!!!
The balance of the FATE of A "UNITED" States of America is in our hands, WITH OUR NEXT PRESIDENTIAL LEADERSHIP CHOICE!
And, "ALL" the "EVIDENCE" leads to Dr. "CORNEL WEST" being the NO-BRAINER "ONLY" CHOICE for President 2024!!!
This country needs more
like this man
There are many like this man in America. America does not promote these people so it is up to us to uplift them. If he did not have the Ivy League background, he would be in obscurity as well, a once off voice on Democracy Now.
Never--we have enough BS now!
We can elect this man!
The world needs this man to be POTUS!
I'm from the UK and I completely agree
I hope Dr. West is here for a hundred years more
Me too. 🥰😍🥰
Damn you said it! Me too
West understands so much, he would be an INCREDIBLE president. I hope the US doesn't screw up this opportunity.
Brother Cornel doesn't seem to understand that he should pay his back child support and his back taxes!
@@haroldbrown5308
Provide a citation, chatbot.
You really think he's going to win. There is NO way. Not in these corporate states of America.
Dr Cornel West is a brilliant, compassionate man. Love his interviews. Thank you for sharing.
An beacon of truth, sorely needed in the US, for the oppressed.
Around the world.
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
Wow that's awesome :). I got the impression he'd be a genuinely kind fellow in person
53 seconds in and gosh cornel west is a blessing. What democracy could be
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.
This was a very fascinating discussion!
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.
"There's nothing magical about it. This is not Disneyland or DisneyWorld."
He's got my vote, isn't it nice to hear someone speak calmly?
Everyone needs to see this before the 2024 election. Brilliant man 🎉.
Black on black crime smh this dude do more injustice to black people then any white man can do! I want to hear how do he vote. I can guarantee it’s republican
So now your a republican WTF
This man is a true champion
Outstanding analysis and dissertation of Obama and his presidency! 👍🏾❗
Obama was a show pony for the corporate elitists. Nothing more. He danced and sang for the White folk, pretty sad.
Dr. West, you gave my vote!!❤❤❤
"While Wall Street is break-dancing to the bank" hahahahaha!
"I have a calling, not a profession." -Cornel West this says everything about this man's character.
The "1st black" potus was wasted on Obama. I figured i wouldn't vote in 2024, but Dr West definitely has my vote!
Fascinating, thanks!
7:30 "I hate greed, i hate injustice and I hate entitlement and privilege"
A president Cornel West would be wonderful for this country.
Wish I could hear more of Dr West, but my earbuds aren’t loud enough at full volume 😖
Dr. Cornel West is a truth teller. He has a lot of knowledge and wisdom.
So you can vote for the Republican criminal candidate or you can vote for the Democrat criminal candidate or you can vote for the Better Man. Never has the choice been more stark or more clear
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.
So much respect for you Tim 🖤💛❤️👏🏾👏🏾
A leader leaves a legacy: what legacy has Barak Obama bequethed American people: what conquests brings he home: what tributaries follow him to DC? 😮
ObamaCare is his legacy.
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.
The White Elitists like Kennedy and Reid selected him after his bs speech at the 2004 Dem Convention. They knew he wouldn't change anything for the Black community, and that's why they supported him. He was nothing but a figurehead and status quo corporatist. Much more a mod R than a Dem.
Thank you good start
he won't win i fear. for he is not a token he is a force for good. and that will be attacked with a inner rage , by the forces for evil in ways deceptive and hateful and dishonest.
why is the volume so low
I believe anything is possible, not those who limit great possibilities. I'm like a caged bird, who body is in prison, but not my mind. If that happens all my possibilities will disappear. Is why I do not live with what can't happen.
8:38 "Black people, poor people, working people"
I am still smarting from the crushing disappointment that Obama presidency was. All that talk of hope and change, eventually to amount to nothing. As a matter of fact, Obama facilitated the neoliberal assault on human dignity. That’s why I tremendously admire the aspirational stance of Dr. West. I will support him for a president as I fully believe in building a society based on the legacy of MLK.
SECOND VIEWING: (39:25-39:52)
_"But _*_decency_*_ and tears is not the same as_ *ACTION* _based on_ *POLITICAL COURAGE* _and_ *MORAL WITNESS."* 🤓💝 #SmartsAndHeart
Here is the honest people's dream candidate!
why is the sound so low...maybe its my computer
'That's just the country we are'
This would make a fantastic campaign ad. "There's nothing magical about this at all. This is not Disney Land or Disney World." Cornel, I have great ideas of campaign ads, please feel free to give me a call.
West is absolutely right that Obama did not speak to the hopes & dreams of the poor and lower middle class.
West has a tendency to dwell in ideals expressed by the courage of artists, singers, etc. Politics though is not art, it’s about the dynamics of power. And progress has never been linear.
Politics is an interpretive science just as much as it is descriptive. Interpretation is an art form to say the least. I'm sure you don't believe what you are implying here, that Machiavellianism does away with all other forms of political theory, right?
This video was posted 2 years ago and there’s only 132k views is the main reason this country is going down the tubes. Anybody who sees this video would not then go out and vote red or blue when his name on ballot. Imagine having a president who actually tries to do what he says and has enough integrity to try and actually help all Americans that are suffering. He’s the 1st man I would actually get out of bed to vote for since Obama , and was so disappointed that I was done with ever caring about politics until this man decided to run for president. This is a man that despises politics, yet he saw that both red and blue are exact same thing and also sees a real opportunity to make so changes this country needs
Suerte viejo, mucha suerte.
THIS MAN IS THE TRUTH GOD BLESS HIS SOUL
GodSpeed Brother West!
Dr. West how were you not able to see obama's contempt for black people, when an Italian American called in on c-span saying "why does obama always talk jive to black people, I wouldn't want coumo coming to my neighborhood talking guido to me." Now if he could see it why couldn't you?
I am a reader, and I only read two books during his presidency. I wonder why.
Too busy reading the news instead?
That's your problem.
3:30 relative judgement
Cornel West has my vote.
8:22 Neo liberalism and elite capitalism are the law of the land. If you can’t be them then join them and try your best to make change within. Maybe Dr. West and others should join boards of corporate entities and buy their stocks to a degree where he and others can make sustainable decisions based on his Socioeconomic Outlook.
I used to listen to Cornell and Travis Smiley all the time. I miss that.
Not magic through sweat collectively.
Dr. West makes me proud Harvard exists 🫶
What will people say about you Cornell… So when you’re in the office you have to fight and I agree with that! Come on brother because you’ve been doing this for a hell of a long time longer than I have been cognizant of what you’re fighting for. Not gonna lie would prefer Michelle Obama in this moment… But your fire is bigger and safer.
So you want bigger war? Hmmm so Obama blew up and totally destroyed a wealthy functioning country in Libya, what would you like Michelle blow up, Palestine maybe? Michelle is not a political animal. She wears her emotions on her face openly and is a straight bourgoise Neo Capitalist wife and mom who could not wait to buy a mansion on Marthas Vineyard. It's truly scary to hear people say what you said. The idea is that she'd be this great symbol and figure head and have all these experienced advisors to lead her daily actions. geeeezus! Look at this country's current mess due to all these Washington career bureacrats.
You're pathetic
Who's John Hanson?
How we all wish that this fight between 'ideas' was continuing now. Instead, we watch a fist fight between clowns, one of them an orange clown. "Lets get Ready to Crumble"
This comment section is beyond disappointing
National Maat Public Policy
Man if yall dont vlad chop up this video im be mad 😡 we need more Cornell West videos in the algorithm so can you pretty please upload clips of this video in 7 min clips plz
#CornellWest2024
beautiful truth articulated better than anyone - God Bless You Dr. West as you are a GIFT to Humanity
Maybe people expected too much of Barack Obama in that although in some regards he will be treated like a Black man in American society because of his skin tone and even married an African-American woman, maybe he could not genuinely identify or be expected to come from the Black American perspective outside of historical studies and experiences peppered here and there throughout his growing up. I mean, how many Black children do we know of that have the privilege of attending a prestigious prep school as he did? Among my friends in a predominately White suburban community, I only had *one (1)* friend who did - and he was White.
Obama did not *_live_* the African-American experience in the same way, is actually of *_mixed heritage,_* was raised by White grandparents, and although Black, is _NOT_ Black-American strictly speaking. It would not be unheard of for him to be unaware and make the typical mistake as others with better socio-economic backgrounds of erroneously oversimplifying matters, believing that kids in the inner city or from underprivileged backgrounds simply need to pull up their pants and apply themselves like he had to in order to accomplish what he has. It is not his "fault," but the fact that he is "mixed" makes it easier to navigate the complexities of American society and receive acceptance from mainstream people, generally speaking, and also opens up doors and opportunities for him not as readily available to the average Black American without such a background. It is also likely that in addition to his other gifts and talents, being "mixed" made him a more palatable candidate, contributing to his winning the presidency.
Perhaps subconsciously Obama is aware of this dynamic and has always attempted to maintain what he regards as a moderate and balanced approach to racial issues (by not addressing them head-on) and felt it has helped him navigate the challenging dilemma of being a Black man, particularly that of projecting competence and strength while remaining careful to come across very non-threatening and unlike the caricature of the supposed "angry" Black male. Perhaps this encouraged him to avoid "rocking the boat" in favor of attempting to blend in - yielding someone with genius oratory like an MLK, but _NOT_ a genuine firebrand of an ACTivist devoted to social change, but rather a bonafide politician instead who merely appeared to be an activist committed to social change along with his catchphrase, _"Hope and Change"_ that also implied this.
Many of the black youth/mid 20's seen rioting/looting stores these days were in gradeschool/middle and high school when Obama was President.
He certainly did not teach them law and order did he?
And before you say...police shootings...the five police shootings which spawned the BLM "demonstrations" of 2020 were ALL in cities run by Democrats...Minneapolis, Kenosha, Louisville, Atlanta, and Philly. Mayor/city council majority/DA.
Those 3 entities hire/fire/train/discipline the police dep't.
Even Judas Iscariot shed tears, but it was he, Judas, who chose to take his own life rather than repent and seek forgiveness. Some politicians, or most of them, are actually worse than Judas.
For "RATIONALLY SANE" Leadership, Dr. "CORNEL WEST" for President 2024 "or BUST!!!"
Obama was a symbol, period.
And i dont evensee you on stage.... what happened??,,
What did you imagine the first Black President would endure. Some Black folk act like Obama was the 10th Black President.
obama a traitor he second gen immigrant he aint one of yall fool
Oh, right. That's why he politicized the Justice E.
Justice Department
Now that he is running for the Pres, I hope Dr. West wont repeat the same Mistakes as Obama or get Co-Opted. Please drop the "what-about our Palestine Bros and Sisters" rhetoric and gives us a Black Agenda with Policy and Reparation$$$ !
He won't but what's sad is we have a 2 Party system that wouldn't let him win.Which is ashame.
#CornelWest2024
#cornel2024
So he doesn't pay taxes and wants to run for president? He's just like Trump.
He da dump
Love you sir.
Please no over kill with your statements.
You always seem to emphasize on the Alphabet crew…
You cannot be with God and against God order.
Respectfully.
Shame that West has decided to be a scorched earth voice rather than a contributor. Politics is not a perfect process. West and Tavis Smiley were clearly not cut out for the political process.
With all due respect to the former POTUS, aka Barack Obama, he is a whyte man in a Black body. He was raised by a whyte mother and whyte grandparents. He was abandoned by his Black/African father, there is an unresolved anger over the abandonment by his father. He understands the Black community, but only to a point. His ambition is greater than his commitment to social justice. I just wish that he had said he wasn't going to be the Black president BEFORE Black folks came out in record numbers to vote for him. It isn't that it was the Black community's expectation that he would be a Black president, we knew his parentage, but he had the audacity to say those words out loud which was an insult to Black America.
HIS MOTHER and the powers that be HAD A PURPOSE when they planned his existence. HIS FATHER, a non English speaking AFRICAN wasn't studying at the University of Hawaii. And her next move was getting married to a man from the Philippines as the cover. His entire career was written in stone well before he graduated grade school. They needed a black face to bring a content feeling to black people. But they needed him to have their beliefs instilled in him.
Articulate your expectations. There are an infinite number of expectations on a moving scale that qualify being black. Unfortunately, me, I need none. We are what we are because we are.
The job of president is a simple one. It is the only branch of the federal government that identifies its total power under one person. In this case, the son of an African.
What I find interesting is that the main argument for his failure is the lack of attributable accomplishments for black people. Furthermore he is criticized for his support for sexual inclusion/gay rights. For future reference we should make a list of the things black people need from the president and post them in the Oval Office.
From my 40 year military service I find that there is nothing I did or could to validate my career in absolute terms. The best I can say is that I got promoted, tried my best and retired with a pay check. No body owes me thanks and most people wouldn’t piss on me if I was burning to death. If this is my case then I wouldn’t expect Obama to get anymore for eight years of service.
Most of us have no idea what being president is like nor do we care. If we suppose that he did the best he could do then best we can do is say thank you.
I can say this, having worked under six presidents Obama was an incredible President who actually showed up for work everyday. Most people think they can do things better only to find that their lack of knowledge set them up for failure. This was not the case for president Obama
@@markroberts4976 Bingo!, but the rest of it is a mystery to some. Might as well have been a Trojan horse
True. I believe we fell in love with Obama's race & forgot everyone has a pedagogy by which they view life. All blame can't be directed toward him, America needs to be critical of herself! She must know what she needs; we don't need a adjudicator, we needed a leader!
Obama was worse than a white man. He was a neoliberal corporate sellout.
President obama was the president of the USA not just African americans . However those that were unhappy with him have every right to do so. They also have every right to go for the presidency themselves and show us what they want . Obama wasn't born with a silverspoon. He suceeded with hard work. If he done it so can they. Remember you can please some of the people some of the time but you can't please all of the people all of the time . Well done president obama .
Is it allowed to be this publicly inane, this moronic?
He may not have made much progress but didn't Obama at least pave the way for Mr. Wests candidacy?
As a white guy, I would stand by Cornel West if I could. But is there a place for me in his army?
Why wouldn’t there be? He’s not anti-white, if that’s what you mean
@@seanmccannyo no I certainly don't think he I anti-white. (By the way, I appreciate your response). I guess I am saying I don't know where a white, non American would fit in such a meaningful movement...
if you have to ask did you really listen to this talk?
thank you for correcting the error of my ways. surely you have gained entry to heaven@@vinylgrailny8076
No, he didn't. In fact, he is probably going to try and sabotage his campaign like what he did against Bernie Sanders
A complete embarrassment to me in everyway. ALL YOU CAN DO IS TALK.... AND THATS NOT AN ASSURANCE
You're stupid. He was in the struggle while your mama was high on crack, getting bonked by a thug to sire you, a crack head
I use to love Cornel West. Have all his book. Not fond of his reaction to President Obama, the first Black President.
And to think black Americans proposed we nominate Mr. West as a candidate for President 😀. He has a W.E.B. DuBois Talented Tenth attitude just like Obama. He will do Black America a disservice 😢😢
How so?
Demented people like you don't have the depth to understand his fight
He left green party partly because they didn't prioritize his moral conviction. Integrity second to none. How can honesty, courage, and love for justice be a disservice?
You are the DISAPPOINTMENT!!!!! I WENT OUT fOR YOU for president
Cornell West comes off to me as an egotistical playa hater.
You mean you ether dont understand what he said or dont care. I take it that you could not comprehend what he said. Obama is golfing on his new mansion on Marthas Vineyard...Pookie still in the streets dodging bullets from his opps. And you dont give a damn! LOL Neither did Barack! Oh, but barack had time to blow up Libya, a wealthy African country we were not even at war with! Read a book! lol at egotistical!
If you’re implying with your statement Obama is a playa of the highest order, you’d be correct.
@@Starting_anew I meant what I said, no implications, and what the F, that got to do with Obama?
Ignorant people like you find erudite folks, egotistical
He ix just way over your head dumb ass.
Wisdom of Solomon
CHAPTER 5 1Then the righteous man will stand in great boldness Before the face of those who afflicted him, And those who make his labors of no account. 2 When they see him, they will be troubled with terrible fear, And will be amazed at the marvel of salvation. 3 They will speak among themselves converting, And for distress of spirit they will groan, “This was he whom we used to hold in derision, as an allegory of reproach. 4 We fools considered his life madness, and his end without honor. 5 How was he counted among sons of God? How is his lot among saints? 6 Truly we went astray from the way of truth. The light of righteousness did not shine for us. The sun did not rise for us. 7 We took our fill of the paths of lawlessness and destruction. We traveled through trackless deserts, || But we did not know the Lord’s way. 8 What did our arrogance profit us? What good have riches and boasting brought us? 9 Those things all passed away as a shadow, Like a message that runs by,