Cornel West on Living Paycheck to Paycheck and Fixing Capitalism | The Businessweek Show

Philosopher and activist Cornel West talks about running as a candidate for US president, what he wants to change about capitalism and the controversy around his unpaid taxes. Interview recorded Oct. 20, 2023.
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[@incaseofamnesia6380]

imagine if someone like him could be president, what a world

[@fadishuheibar6187]

I wish

[@JazzBlood]

Well, why not, i can vote and so can many others

[@langstonmorrison1850]

Interviewer sees hope and optimism as synonymous. Mzee Cornel West does not. He has hope, not optimism. "Hope is about making a leap beyond the evidence that is given to you. Optimism usually looks at the evidence and sees whether it's possible to infer that things are going to get better. So you see, hope is over against the evidence sometimes. Optimism oftentimes, again, has to do with being a spectator" - Cornel West

[@a.s.2426]

Yes. Want vs. Predict.

[@ancestralabundance]

Amazing

[@YamenHawit]

Never seen such an authentic candidate. As a Palestinian American, I am no doubt voting for Dr. Cornel West! 🇺🇸

[@reginaldmorton2162]

Hes basically asking Dr. West why is he running for president and if he wins wouldn't he take away power from the ruling class. The answer is YES.

[@coolioso808]

Indeed, only a profoundly unsustainable society would even have a 'ruling class', that kind of wealth inequality is crippling to public health, decency and sustainability of people. Dr. West knows this and is giving the American people a choice to vote for truth, love and justice in November.

[@injukyoshi]

Interviewed Donald Trump, asks Dr.West about experience. Asks Dr.West about his taxes which he addresses forthrightly. Does not bring up "billionaire" Trump famously stated he pays no taxes. Bloomberg interviewer:FAIL. That is the crisis of capitalism.

[@PaulWolinsky]

Capitalism doesn't fail. People fail capital and CAPITALISM. Almost any 'ism' is a bit of a failure. The worst failures of capitalists are the CEOs, which CW points out. This is a discussion, not an attempt at a final word.

[@PaulWolinsky]

The one question I have has to do with 'immanence' = ordinary' This is a very questionable thing: how does one define or measure ordinary-ness? Much love to Cornel, Travis and Henry. Along with Marianne.

[@coolioso808]

Not surprised a Bloomberg interviewer doesn't recognize capitalism is unsustainable, unjust and unhealthy by its very structural nature. At least they have Dr. Cornel West to try and teach this whipper-snapper a little something. He might learn something if he really listens and follows the data and research that supports what West claims. From Richard Wolff "The Sickness is the System" to Tim Jackson "Prosperity Without Growth", and beyond, the evidence is clear and West speaks truth to power.

[@PaulWolinsky]

@coolioso808 what makes you say capitalism is unsustainable inherently? That makes you an essentialist. For Camus, life was unsustainable because absurd. Money's "fungible" a smart man once said to me. Capital is money. Capitalism will sustain as long as it remains fungible.

[@chrisvoelzow2721]

"I'm a blues man, there's no optimism in the blues!" - I'm with that and felt that, my brother

[@Jaybee6428]

I wasn't going to vote but now I am voting for him

[@jayaCatLvr-ys5ix]

Me too.

[@DavidSphere-eu4mi]

Ahhhh! Slowly I can finally breathe again. FRESH AIR

[@RussellPernell]

Dr. West has a deep soul with a backbone from our ancestors.

[@jayg-lg2ot]

And there is the problem you point out YOUR ancestors but he's running to be for everyone not just the opposite color

[@nonameherself1302]

I think they meant to say founding fathers, because he mentions we used have great times. He brings a higher wisdom something we lacked in president for yrs.

[@celloman7361]

How is he qualified? Have you ever heard trump talk? This man is brilliant and kind. Exactly what this country needs!

[@MiMiiViVi]

So true. He is brilliant, highly educated, humanitarian, brave and knows what is happening to the American people. We need this change. I'm voting for him

[@rwrunning1813]

"How is he more qualified than Trump?" ...IDFK, education, maybe? Humility and compassion???

[@user-245er4ud]

Definitely the best candidate IMO. Unfortunately, there is so much big-money freely flowing into the upper portions of all the branches of the government that having a not rich, honest and anti-corrupt president would only fix a very small part of the problem. I believe he would probably be the ONLY candidate to actually address this issue.

[@simonwarner2018]

We shouldn't give up even if it's hopeless.

[@chrisfaizon1156]

He is definitely getting my vote✊🏾❤️🙏🏾

[@jonasyoder6101]

exactly 🎉

[@chadlevitan7886]

To me, this man and RFK Jr are the only two logical options. I certainly do not agree with each of them in all things, but I respect their thought process and knowledge over the Red and Blue candidates.

[@coolioso808]

A President West would be a better voice for the people than Dumpy Trump or Gencide Joe and their Corporate Parties. Sure the whole capitalist system is wildly unsustainable, but again, West would speak to those issues. By the way, the PEOPLE have been speaking up against this for years, but their voice is muted by the propagandists mainstream media for decades. A tool people can use is One Small Town Contributionism, in their own communities. They can, in the meantime, also support West getting on their State ballot, if he isn't already on, which I would do if I were American. But being Canadian, American elections have a big influence on my country, too. I express deep love and support for Americans who are sick and tired of this oppressive, backwards, unsustainable capitalist society we've been living in and tired of the gross ruling elites that it generates and all the problems that come from that and they want to vote for truth, justice and love, for Cornel West in 2024. That's a morally respectful vote. (And I also get if people want to vote for Dr. Jill Stein or Claudia De La Cruz)

[@deepwaters7242]

Cornel is who my heart wants ❤

[@indomitabledomo]

Cornel West is the candidate of Integrity! He has always stood up for the working class and the downtrodden. Cornel 2024!

[@SoraTheory]

💯

[@NiyahSolid]

Thumbs up if you voting for Cornel for president thumbs down if you not

[@omnigeddon]

The kids of today deserve cornell for their president.. not a repeat of last election.. all this cool ai and technology.. cornell is best imho.. we are lucky he is even running.. would truly be a shame to waste this opportunity

[@alyssadelgado8232]

This interview is going to go over a lot of people’s heads.

[@KingAngel4Life]

It’s called being pimp’d by the government when paying taxes. Taxes should be illegal (Pimping) Something only the government and the rich greedy can do to others with no repercussions. I never judge anyone who owes money they work for to the government.

[@Drebin2293]

Ambition is never something to be ashamed of. Having ambition is one of the most positive traits you could have.

[@jeremyprovence4942]

Cornel West 2024. Truth, Justice, Love.

[@halleylow3615]

yes Dr. West is a man of integrity.

[@elliottharris9015]

I would like to see him and Thomas Sowell have a conversation with each other, mainly about economic's and social issues.

[@lalodaniels1388]

The late great William F. Buckley would have arranged something like that.

[@dollylove3430]

Well Thomas Sowell use to be a marxist and later was asked why he changed his mind. He said logic. It might have been Charlie Rose.

[@whosays1977]

Thomas Sowell is bought by right-wing propagandists, so anything he says is based on who pays him in order to keep that money flowing into his account. Please stop believing he's worth your time.

[@justmyopinion9883]

Has Thomas Sowell ever had a debate with Professor Richard Wolff?

[@elliottharris9015]

@@justmyopinion9883 Probably not. Professor Wolff would lose

[@gabrielliansoileau]

Get Dr. West on the ballot in North Carolina!

[@ironknightgaming5706]

Cornell 2024

[@AuditingNYCnExtChapter]

😂

[@SoraTheory]

Subbed after this one Cornel west 2024

[@consuelopaz401]

You are sooooo right, Dr. Cornell

[@mack-uv6gn]

Capitalism needs to be taught so people will understand how to navigate society.

[@coolioso808]

Capitalism has been taught to many people, including multiple economists of the 21st century and their research has concluded that capitalism is socially, ecologically and economically unsustainable, unjust and unhealthy. The survival challenge of humanity in the 21st century is to move beyond capitalism to some sort of steady-state, viable, direct democracy system that ultimately doesn't need money or have labor-for-income requirements in order to meet all people's needs within planetary boundaries. It is very technically possible to do, but will there be enough will of the people to create that change when ruling elites have put so much propaganda in the way of the people? Time will tell. But at least if people educate themselves and stay in solidarity with the working class, they can achieve great things.

[@mack-uv6gn]

@@coolioso808 capitalism isn’t the problem human behavior is. It’s the choice of humans that make capitalism look bad. One of those choices is greed.

[@deeprincess3159]

❤Thanks for sharing I'm a poet I write thought provoking poetry and a musician stay blessed

[@aiseavolavola2964]

Man! America open your eyes, this is the man youve been blessed with

[@tyleranyways]

6:17 glad he said that. People are wrong to think capitalism is innately bad.

[@KumaKlaws]

When is he coming to Colorado Springs!!!

[@TheGrun13]

"to a hope not hopeless but unhopeful, and seeing with those bright wondering eyes that peer into my soul a land whose freedom is to us a mockery and whose liberty is a lie." - W. E. B. Du Bois

[@Fantsmacle]

He is the one for me. I am hopeful he does well.

[@badweather4917]

VOTE CORNEL WEST FOR PRESIDENT 😊

[@dwaynebryant4667]

Chech out the latest video on Cornel West !!!😎👍

[@devilslayerthesaintofkille1317]

If frederick douglass and gene shalot had a kid.

[@queensheeeeba]

Dr. West is inspirational and one of the only people in America keeping me sane!

[@whatsyurprob158]

So, you've lived your entire life in an Ivory Castle too? 🧐 🇺🇸

[@otbgriff4337]

You can’t replace capitalism with communism I just don’t work like that

[@fatemeh-qt9vs]

DR CORNEL WEST FOR PRESIDENT 2024!!!

[@user-td1me4tv3u]

Dr Cornel West has no chance at winning President at all what so ever.

[@user-sl7xx8sx2t]

Dan Brown is the Man.... Again.. Thanks NYPD...🇩🇴💂

[@KrashawnLovelace]

Such a beautiful mind My Manns 4 President

[@justmyopinion9883]

Dr Cornel West for President 2024.

[@wavymcfly]

WOW! This is awesome!

[@DavidSphere-eu4mi]

This is a real leader

[@mweiss1031]

Who decides which markets are to be 'subordinated' to public welfare? What does that process look like? What models can we use to support this idea? And what is public welfare? I hear lots of platitudes, but nothing concrete.

[@AL-lh2ht]

Something something money is evil and anyone who has money is evil.

[@izywilkerson2139]

@@AL-lh2ht At least you got the fundamental truth of the idea.

[@izywilkerson2139]

How I took what Cornel was saying is that ALL markets should be subordinate to public welfare. Public welfare not meaning just the welfare programs the government oversees but welfare in it's true definition of happiness/health/wellbeing. Markets should be subordinate to what is best for the American people. What that means market wise is that the wants of corporations, especially corporations with monopolies, should not come before the wants and especially the needs of the American people like they do now. Cornel is a part of the People's party which is against corporate lobbying and governmental preference to corporations over the people it's supposed to be by and for. I also assume it would put a bar on how much money corporations and subsequent billionaires would be able to hoard (as trickle down economics has flopped severely). As for the process and model, I'm not so sure. There are some processes already taking place like the End Hedge Fund Control of American Homes Act of 2023 filed by Jeff Merkley OR Senator (D) basically trying to get Hedge Fund companies out of the housing market as it is no longer individual vs individual when it comes to bidding for a home but individual vs billionaire. The involvement these corporation have in the housing market is a large factor in the current housing crisis and a perfect example of how corporations currently are not subordinate to the welfare of the people. It's actually a perfect example of how markets are in fact being almost subjugated by corporations. I believe the process and the model would be legislation very similar tailored to the specific markets plagued by collective corporate greed. I understand wanting to hear concrete over platitudes but in a 9 minute interview you're not really able to give a step-by-step cement plan especially one the general public at any political involvement or education level can fully grasp. I think discounting the ideation aspect of the political process helps maintain the concrete wall our current government puts up in front of progressive change- which is not the intention of the prior comment I would like to recognize, especially if they're here watching this video. That is not to say that ideation is anywhere near the grunt work that actually has to happen for legislation to come into effect but 2 things can be true. However, I trust Cornel to stay true (as much as he can when taking into account opposition and what have you) to his ideation and campaign stances than I think Biden has/will. Note: This comment is meant to be non-combative and strictly conversational. I know it's a lot, but I enjoy these kinds of conversations and don't get to have them as much irl. So thank you for commenting Mr. Weiss haha.

[@darrrinwashington1834]

Soulman ❤

[@DavidSphere-eu4mi]

😊

[@J.B24]

Cornell West, while a great communicator, had no business running for president. How are you going to run for Prez when your finances aren't in order?

[@jamielunes1841]

When is Donald going to pay? 😂

[@yoyoyohihihidude]

What did he use all that tax money for?

[@Starting_anew]

Not paying one’s taxes doesn’t make you a millionaire. Remember the state requires retirees to pay taxes on social security, which was a tax itself. It’s not like we’re all Donald Trump.

[@roddyrod583]

This man is a LEGEND!!!

[@cloudmonkeys]

Make America superfly again

[@narjess6040]

Dr west for president 🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@rbj5767]

❣️⚡️🙏💫💫💫💫💫💫💫

[@consuelopaz401]

My next president

[@GJS65]

Whenever someone wants to "fix" capitalism it almost always looks a lot like Socialism/Communism.

[@AL-lh2ht]

Socialism and communism are pretty different from each other.

[@ramonm.m8844]

Bro, enough with that hyper-individualistic capitalistic coddling attitude when we know more socialists economies significantly improve ones quality of life and the collective society by being more inclusive and democratic.

[@hypocriticalsatire3966]

Mixed economys work, is Sweden a hellhole? Poland?

[@bonelessburst2227]

Define every economic system you just listed for me real fastly

[@matthewkopp2391]

What is the alternative? We can go with early liberalism. Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin proposed a 100% inheritance tax to prevent plutocracy, Jefferson proposed freedom from monopolies but defined monopolies as any institution where the interests of the few dominate over the interests of the many, he wanted to tax land monopolies out of existence etc. which most capitalist would accuse is “socialism”. But Jefferson had the agrarian vision of small scale relatively equal farmers and cottage industry. A plan that was quickly eclipsed by Hamilton’s industrial plan. Socialism came as a response to mass industrialization, in an industrial era in order for workers to maintain their sovereignty and integrity they out to own the industries. That is how socialism was understood throughout the 19th century. Social democracy was a response to that, and was a means to sustain an aristocracy. Don’t believe me, read about Otto von Bismarck and the fact he outlawed socialist political parties but instituted pensions and sick funds the thing the socialists were creating. Also FDR’s claim was he “saved capitalism”. Social democracy is at least something that alleviated the harsh aspects of capitalism, but I would prefer if all workers owned the industries they worked in.

[@anthonyjenkins9462]

Term limits

[@blackphillip564]

West owns thousands in alimony even though he's been a celebrity professor for almost 40yrs.

[@lesmup548]

is he the one on the DAWN FM cover?

[@willrose5424]

😁😁

[@cynthiaallen-bryant8161]

I brother West is cray cray look and listen to him.

[@chinmeysway]

? i’m looking and listening. seems pretty fine. maybe a great (failing bipartisan) alternative. what’s your issue

[@pubguc6771]

What is professor including justice group of international criminal court general scientist globally peace

[@davidhunternyc1]

I love Cornel West but he doesn't have to stomach to be President. For Cornel, everyone is, "his brother or sister." It's not simply a term of affection to humanize others. It's an attempt to reach across the aisle and work together. We've done that. Obama failed. We need a warrior for the people, not a lackey who will bend a knee to corporate interests, banks, and the military industrial complex. Cornel West doesn't have the goods. In my opinion, Jon Stewart should run for President... and he would win. Here's the problem, and it's the reason why Jon Stewart won't run for President. Every President of the United States murders innocents around the world. As John Bolton mockingly laughed, "Of course the U.S. is involved in coups around the world." The military industrial complex must be fed. Foreign lands must be stripped of their natural resources. 420,000 Americans died in WWII. At the same time, Ford provided engines and Standard Oil profited by selling oil and gas to the Nazis. Today, the entirety of the Biden Administration, both red and blue, support Israel's genocide. Our country was built on the backs of slaves. Today, at Tesla Shanghai laborers work 6 1/2 days a week, 11 1/2 hours a day. We've passed anti-slavery laws in the U.S. but somehow it's tolerated and encouraged in China and other parts of the world? Is this the type of abuse that Jon Stewart can turn a blind eye to? Cornel West would shrug his shoulders and do nothing about the exploitation of labor, at home and overseas. The American oligarchy will not give up their reign on power. They rule over us. Is this the country Jon Stewart wants to lead? If so, will the oligarchy allow it or will they silence him. We need Jon Stewart. Does Jon Stewart, or Cornel West, need this country?

[@Ridingbikeschasingdykes]

He needs a better questions.

[@keithlee1144]

Kang

[@videostoviews2262]

Doesn't make any sense. An undecuated reply. What does that mean?

[@MicahDadsLegoTV]

He’s dark in his approach

[@DavidSphere-eu4mi]

Is that what ever1 wants. Ok peaceful nay-no then cornel west our new leader

[@user-gi2et5oc8v]

Ain't no fool like an ole fool except an ole broke fool 😂

[@stoonookw]

This guy is FUNKEH ❤❤

[@zalosnasova750]

Was he in matrix?

[@COCOBALMCOLOMBIANBEAN]

I just went from Republican to independent and I will be voting for Dr West

[@jayg-lg2ot]

When yall say yall want this dude for president your totally lying to everyone on here lol noooo you dont you know it i know it so iust be honest for once in your lives

[@jacquelineperry8515]

Some folks wouldn’t have to live paycheck to paycheck if they knew how to manage money

[@alexwason8292]

The key word of your comment is “some”. Yes, some people absolutely have opportunities available to them and they squander them due to poor decision making; this fact does not conflict with the reality that some people don’t have those same opportunities available to them due to a number of potential factors of the economy.

[@jacquelineperry8515]

@@alexwason8292 systemic racism plays a part as well

[@daviddaniels6726]

Cornel West is a very nice man who has ideas about the economy that if implemented would result in widespread starvation.

[@LabelsAreMeaningless]

He's not that nice a man either but tries to put on that friendly front. You should see some of the things he's done. Massive race baiter who loves to divide. He also supports many of the policies which have done the most damage over the years.

[@desta9108]

Name one such idea, pls

[@mack-uv6gn]

😂

[@dhirajgawande007]

😂😂 you had me in the first half

[@tuckerbugeater]

Pretty sure he wants to destroy me

[@Smiley_101]

I will pick him over the loser rfk jr .

[@lavoisier2815]

Experience is over Rated that has been the Problem. We need People with Common Sense and Logic in Office. If you've been in Politics for fifty Years you are Probably one of the Problems.

[@AL-lh2ht]

Guys who needs statemen and people with success careers.

[@lavoisier2815]

@@AL-lh2ht What i meant was Experience often times makes you complacent and not willing to Change. To be a Politician you have to for the most Part be a Follower. You don't find Revolutionaries in Politics Law Enforcement Military or Sports. When they show up there they are not welcome. Revolutionaries come to Revamp and Change things for the better.

[@dsolis7532]

What a terrible politician. Why we whispers?!

[@ElLotdog]

2:03 I would not describe Cornell West as humble nor as someone that really spends a lot of time listening…. He spends an awful lot of time talking though..

[@andygibson819]

the moment he said, "I live paycheck to paycheck" I''m out. I'm all the way out. We can't have a president be the CEO of the most powerful nation on the planet, who can't run his own personal finances well. Knowing how money works is a major major prerequisite and high expectation for all US presidential candidates. Just think, if he doesn't know how to run his own finances, what else he doesn't know.

[@korieedmonds6259]

Ummm more people live paycheck to paycheck than you'd think! Even people with high income flow! Did you say the same thing on how trump handled are his illegals he's going through? Way more concerning than living paycheck to paycheck 😂😂😂

[@mc98smusicmoviereviews93]

But do you agree that the two-party system is dated and flawed?

[@anthonysanchez1313]

Editing West's comments show how dumb this show is.

[@user-8k8kk8kk8k]

WHO CARES!!!

[@do7744]

Professional Charlatan 😂

[@nielsmuus7640]

He is excatly the opposite of what he speaks about. Another narcissist . My brother here, my brother there (sic)

[@ahmengtan6139]

Old man with ever biggest mouth😅😅😅

[@WillStetler631]

This guy is just pure evil.

[@user-yy9hk9od9u]

So he doesn't pay taxes and wants to run for president? He's just like Trump.

[@CurtisJackson-ox5ro]

😂😂😂😂

[@jeremyprovence4942]

You weren't listening.

[@vooteimer1234]

Socialism is the opposite of a solution.

[@tuckerbugeater]

Do you think the system you live under Now isn't self-terminating

[@vooteimer1234]

@@tuckerbugeater Doesn't alter my point

[@hypocriticalsatire3966]

Look up happiest countries and their economic systems. Not to simplify successful nations by just economies but mixed economies work. Any economic system thats completely socialist/capitalist is a time bomb.

[@vooteimer1234]

@@hypocriticalsatire3966 name some countries that are completely capitalist

[@hypocriticalsatire3966]

@@vooteimer1234 US, we are a democracy but the purely capitalist economic system is cannibalizing democracy

[@reddredd7088]

this interview sucks.

[@raspberryPi1337]

Capitalism is perfect as it is, it doesn't need any change

[@tuckerbugeater]

Except for all the poisoning and stuff

[@cblair8501]

Non-stop bailouts for the rich are not capitalism.

[@bukovinian]

Why?!