Cornell West on Barack Obama

[@tstew]

There's nothing wrong with a Black person criticizing Obama. We shouldn't give him a pass just because he's Black. West is 100% correct

[@livinonabayou]

I watched this live....brilliant man who speaks with much insight and truth!

[@mrbryantsir]

Brother Cornell West is an intellectual giant. All of you who are taught by him are extremely BLESSED. I hope you are taking advantage of this time with him. Listen to him, learn from him, and live the best you know how. If I was in a classroom with him, I'd be getting everything I could. Smart is too puny a word for him. Dr. West defines critical thinking. Get all you can from him. Live your life

[@drebarber]

Thank you Mr. West.....

[@Biggdoggxl]

Dr. West is and has always been the truth. More of the good doctor and his teachings are needed.

[@IIAmHorseLover]

He just came to my high school this morning for an assembly and is truly a brilliant guy! i got to meet him to!

[@MickHargreaves_LSRR]

I met Mr. West on the streets of NY in the crosswalk. He was overjoyed that I recognized him, and took a brief moment to say hello in the middle of the street. I may not agree with 100% of what he says, but the dude is SMART and inspires much further thought. I dig the man. A Whiter than White guy in NY

[@IIAmHorseLover]

He just came to my high school this morning for an assembly and is truly a brilliant guy! i got to meet him to :)

[@TrueVerdicts]

Thanks on the update... cause I was like "OMG, I can't believe West".

[@gomakemeasandwich]

You are completely right. Thank God there are people out there who have a grip on reality.

[@cornbreadthedog]

i love dr. west..i wish i had enough cash or a scholarship to sit in his class. he's my hero. he inspired me to get up off my black butt and get my narrow behind back in school. thank you, dr. west..i'm gonna make it or die trying!..mad love, professor!

[@Globalfaction]

I truely hope you are right on this....

[@HencoDrive]

Long live Dr. Cornel West. I appreciate the fact that Dr. West is clear in his convictions. I do not necessarily and certainly do not always agree with him, but as an academic and a man, he always seems to have a defensible positioneven when it is his alone.

[@Pattydole70]

Thank you very much!

[@akiraboch]

Cornell West has learned about Barack, and now he completely supports him. He introduced Barack at an event at the Apollo in NYC.

[@Faina83]

You failed to mention that West was also at the Apollo, giving one of the most awe-inspiring speeches on Obama that I have ever heard.

[@brandonbailey4666]

@KiwiBro26 did you notice the Wells Fargo logos in the background....?

[@ironlungs33]

Agreed Frankatunda. It is a new generation, and Barack gives everyone hope. Cornell is stuck in the past, and with these comments he's hurting the greater cause.

[@OsvaldoPaese]

I love this man. He's totally right about money being the main source of control. He's one of the best political commentators living.

[@speciesamused]

Tell it like it is. Keepin it real Mr. West.

[@SanJuanCreole]

Cornel at his Finest! a true Teacher.

[@poetryality]

Barack is for ALL the people. Martin was for ALL the people. This is the United (key word) States of America. Yes WE Can! It's about the people, All people American people. I love you Dr. West!

[@tamalona123]

Thanks for coming to CSUDH!

[@nubiancherub]

Apparently, this is the highlight of your day. As much as Im enjoying this, I do have others. Have a good one.

[@gboot2786]

Tavis wasn't hating on Obama. He's saying that he should be held accountable on the issues at hand, and not just voting for him because he's the first black president. You're vote shouldn't be taken for granted.

[@Atomikbrainfu]

Cornell West didn't put this together. He just showed up for the discussion. To say he is dumb is, well, dumb. He's a highly respected professor, scholar and philosopher. Nearly everything he says makes perfect sense. His conversation flows like poetry and can be very moving.

[@meshelluh]

whats the cfr?

[@jdfodio]

Cornell West is asking questions that have already been answered: 1. He's said what he stands for over and over in speeches, the bills he's introduced and gotten passed in the Senate, and on his website. 2. He has courage to stand for what he believes in. How do you think bills get passed? Senators have to fight for those. He's working on a Voter Intimidation act and Global Poverty Act that helps blacks. 3. He's sacrificed being there because HE'S RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT!

[@committedthrice]

Well said! I am so tired of the general complacency(sp?) of our America. I am black and my heritage is one of hard work, surviving against all odds, and being in charge of your destiny. Many folks like to sit back and find fault and criticize, but never become a part of the solution. "Can't we all just get along?" :)

[@sylthe4th]

thats true, and i too am someone who at 21 has realized that even though im not very well off i havent had it that bad. ive never had to wonder where my next meal was coming from. but realizing that made me appreciate, and wanto help my community. which brings us back to the point of all this, i believe barack obama is someone who knows that as well and truly wants help everyone. i didnt believe that a sense of nationalism was possible for black americans, but obama inspires that in everyone

[@L0kwense]

Cornel West speaks the 100% unadulterated TRUTH.

[@TABULOUS1]

I'm starting to get that vibe from him as well...kinda churns my tummy a little. As is obvious, it won't remotely be the last time the Obamas have to face these things. It will be almost a daily occurrence. Thank God they are built on CHARACTER.

[@nayahri]

I have always respected Dr. West but have almost never agreed with him. This would be one more time where this brother and I are not seeing eye to eye.

[@shroomer1012]

THANK YOU!!!!!

[@lifestraight]

0:54 "My criteria is the same, I don't care whether he runnin' for office or runnin' down the street!" LOL!!!

[@heshamakasha7949]

lifestraight that’s what we call thinking out side the box

[@PontifexMaximus1]

sound is not working

[@LaurenAshleyConsulting]

Black ppl need to become accountable for their own destiny, regardless to the actions and philosophies of white racism. Carter G. Woodson in his book the Mis-Education of the Negro, made this point very poignant. It is time that we choose leaders who are of substance and don't just speak based on circumstance. I support Barack because he will not only run to be the black president. He needs to be the U.S. president.

[@rammer257]

Larueprod: Excellent post! Thankfully Bro Dr. West has repented & is now 110% in Bro Senators corner! Rev Jackson made the same mistake; repented and later said NOTHING will come between him & his love & support for Barack OBAMA. Rep Bobby Rush former Black Panther likewise loves, admires & supports OBAMA '08! GOD willing we will not miss this oppty. Otherwise it will be another 40 yrs in the desert for us!

[@mikemane8052]

its not a matter of who he works for... as a morehouse student whether he supports us or not does not affect us.. his brilliance is beyond the school system... listen and learn... he says it his criteria is fundamental no matter the color!!!

[@hndrxuntilidie]

Cornel West is a very smart man, I think that what he's saying is the truth.

[@YaNVme]

I hate the fact that our own people are so quick to criticize. I have much respect for Dr. West, but seriously, where is the support for our brother? A black man actually has a chance of winning the election in 2008 and we want to make it as hard as we can for him. Let Obama do his thing. I'm sure he knows what he is doing.

[@sweetscorp]

Yes, we still need activists and leaders in the Black community, having a "Black President" doesn't mean that racism no longer exists. My problem is that Tavis and Cornel seem to be more concerned about their own careers and are using concern for the Black community as a guise for why they're criticizing Obama's approach to dealing with race.

[@IBERJEN]

Cornell West is a brilliant man,I disagree with him on almost everything but I respect his intellect and speaking style.

[@ultrakool]

Right on, Cornel. Solid.

[@anni47news]

good questions Dr. West.

[@supreme7g]

@chrishanna236 Paganism (from Latin paganus, meaning "country dweller", "rustic"[1]) is a blanket term, typically used to refer to polytheistic religious traditions, although from a Christian perspective, the term can encompass all non-Abrahamic religions

[@rikuzgirl4lyfe]

I like this man. He seems very intelligent and well educated.

[@Solowizard]

easye524, On my statement "The only thing dying in the black community is LOVE, HONOR and RESPECT amongst the youth" I believe this applies to most young black people, way too many young black people, definitely not all.

[@deadflagbluesxxx]

I'd rather be forgotten, than remembered for giving in. You can do what you want. Voting for either of these men is enabling them to get away with it. Vote for 3rd party or DO NOT VOTE.

[@sundee65]

In life we will continue to CONTRADICT ourselves. GROWTH is the blame!!! I LOVE IT!!!!!! Rock on Brother's WEST & OBAMA!!!!!

[@Pattydole70]

No we do not owe him or any other politian regardless of race ANYTHING. They, politians have to prove themselves before we vote for them. It shows our intellect when we know who and why we are voting.

[@MisterSayre]

Both Professor West and Mr. Smiley have come around towards Barack drastically since this event. See West on Real Time, See Tavis virtually any night.

[@k3304]

West is a throwback to the 1970's soul man. Right on ! It's time to move into the 21st century now

[@SoulBro5539]

Tavis got a little stuttered at the end of this video. He knew Barack couldn't make it, when Barack offered for Michelle to come, he rejected Michelle. now he's trying to clear the air. Cornell West is a smart brother. definitely a good role model for the youth.

[@ASpeakingHuman]

"The tendency to see oneself perpetually as a victim will lead to the evasion of responsibility and the condoning of evil." ~Albert Lutuli - Nobel for Peace, 1960

[@kyonaharris]

I agree the sad part is that we as a race have prayed for a champion,yelled and fought for one and here he is and just because he is not "perfect" to our standards of "blackdom" we refuse to accept him!!! Its crazy that Barack had more whites backing him ... This man is willing to put his life on the line to make History we need to see the bigger picture if we dont support him and allow the whites to than he wont hear our voices than its all in vain..

[@0163J]

4 YEARS LATER SINCE THIS SPEECH AND NOTHING CHANGE! If Black folks have one more dam summit.....

[@LetsReadTheWord]

no sound

[@GeorgiaPound77]

And in 2024 Cornell West is running as a the Independent candidate

[@supreme7g]

@chrishanna236 many time over you have proven your point. and i agree that your point has been proven. you stated the facts of your book. they are the fact and the truth of your book. so you successfully defended your book.. now we all know the truth of your book. thats good. so there is no more to defend.

[@sargekl1]

I'm just amazed how quickly Dr. West holds Barrack Obama accountable for not doing enough to further the "Black Agenda" and he can make this critique from Princeton. Point is, allow President Obama to be the President of the United States and not the Brother that finessed his way into office. Black folks, we debase our greatest people, usually during their time. Many had the same feelings about Dr. King, in the 60's. Let him fix the country and it would be easier if we fixed our communities

[@SlashNbashin4x4lipo]

For real if a black man is against another ,something is wrong,I personally know how well they stick together.And I am deeply apologizing,THEY HAVE STRONGER BONDS THAN THE REST OF US.

[@gjford1951]

Talking about the state of White America would be a very good idea. And I think Cornel West would highly approve of the idea of any group of people doing some serious assessment of where they are and what they stand for.

[@nubiancherub]

I agree with you 100 percent. To go back to something keltik31 said, there are many Afican immigrants who come here motivated by what they have been through. They succeed because they have already seen failure. We, on the other hand have had everything made easy for us(not that we have had an easy life) but because we are Americans in America we have the ease of technology and science, and even social opportunies even as minorites that they will not see at home. We are spoiled. Basic Truth.

[@ironlungs33]

Not just the big corporations or lobbyists. The rich, poor, black, brown or white demographics. And he walks the talk - his funding comes from such a large group of individuals who come from many different sub groups.

[@ironlungs33]

Here's how many people have viewed it: "if you don't have as much as me, then we can't be friends. If you make more than me, then I'm gonna try to be your friend, but I know we really can't be friends until I'm at your level." I think more and more people are opening their eyes to this, and saying fuck the goal of amassing the most personal posessions. It comes at too high a cost. When enough people do this thats when we'll see big changes.

[@cedarwho7]

Well said. It always pissed me off that the minority students got the schollarships, I had better grades, my dad worked in a mill his whole life, and guess what? I paid for college myself. EQUALITY would be nice. :)

[@MyNatboy]

this man is outstanding

[@IG2HI]

As much respect I have for Dr. West, I have to say that for once he's wrong. Obama is neither a black candidate nor kissing up to white voter. He is for the unification of all Americans. He IS a PROGRESSIVE thinker. That is something that radicals and Republican pundits don't seem to get. Stop giving into false rhetoric and propaganda and give Obama a chance. Props to Tavis Smiley for taking up for Obama in response to Dr. West's comments.

[@thetrafficshop]

Right on, what an intelligent man.

[@Marbles471]

I really don't know much about Dr. West's history, but I do know that what he said in this clip literally made me applaud. He's absolutly right that all these candidates (including Obama) are all very mediocre. The exceptions, of course, are the Gravels and the Pauls and the Kuciniches, even the Dodds and the Richardsons---whom the media deliberately marginalizes. They're the only ones talking seriously about the issues, instead of talking like politicians.

[@porkchop745]

The brother is so logical that it's a pity that more black didn't listen to him. They were so busy trying to elect a black president that they didn't really think about who they were electing.

[@Pattydole70]

Just because you chose to miss her point doesn't mean that Lashergirl is coming up lacking. She will like many people vote for who have she feels has her best interest at heart.

[@mvalinsky]

I saw Obama speak tonight at the Apollo in Harlem. They love him and he's reaching out to all Americans, all types. It's not an easy task. Give the man some slack, jesus. You want Hillary running the show?

[@shaneramlall6481]

He wanted to be here but he ain’t wanna get shit on by his own community. I love you Cornell West!

[@wepopalot]

Here here! I love Mr. West, but man I will be gland when we as people of color can just be for or against someone, without expecting them to conform to our personal criteria and delusional high standards.

[@Darksagan]

I am starting to dig Professor Cornell.

[@11JackBenny]

How about judging this President on the basis of what he has done and what he is trying to do. Not on if he attended your function or where his money comes from. The Affordable Care Act, The Dream Act, College Financial aid restructuring. Done with an opposition consisting of deep-pocketed, angry, regressive politicians using the media and everything at their disposal to fight any and everything he proposed. He is one of ours. Let's try to lift him up instead of joining those hoping for failure.

[@utube9000]

Watching Cornel West gives me an idea for a new Disney film: The Nappy Headed Professor.

[@baxill23]

How closely have you looked at Ron Paul?

[@ChaosIadore]

Thank ya kindly ma'am

[@emotionalinvalid]

btw, Notice PBS talk show host Tavis Smiley, and thus a sell out to corporations because pbs is corporate mainstream network now. The decent, genius scholar Dr. Cornell West deserves a better moderator, so did the audience and panelists. Again just like Michael Parenti, C West speaks like a common person . Even though both scholars are immensely important writers of books which are thoroughly researched. Their books have footnotes, glossaries, indexes, cited sources galore. West/Parenti 2012!

[@sweetscorp]

I like Dr. Dyson as well, more so than Cornel West. In my opinion, Dr. Dyson appears to be more genuine in his intentions compared to West, who seems to be more concerned with being in the spotlight. Michael Eric Dyson was a staunch supporter of Barack Obama during the election, and he's known Obama since the early 90's when Dr. Dyson lived in Chicago, long before Obama ran for President.

[@necodelord]

The man had bigger fish to fry. I understand Dr. West's speech though. I in fact did not vote for Obama in the Primary for many reasons but I am glad he is our President and he has tried his best to keep his word. When it comes to equality and fairness he has done the best he can to get bills and laws changed to better America as a whole without eliminating or forget the less fortunate or minorities.

[@ezekielthemack]

Cornel West: The smartest man on the planet.

[@djdeac]

It's about everybody...he can't just speak to us as black folks because we are 12% of the population. I have mad love for Dr. West but him not showing up does not mean he's not down to ride for black folk.

[@TheHipHopSpot]

"let me just say, that i knew barack obama, before he was barack obama. you know? Barry Soetoro?"

[@2inchtube]

Just saw him in geneva ny. 10/5/09, and I see he has a new book out, and speaks on many good issues like inproving our social unity, but he spoke not a word on how the continued breakdown of marriage has effected the society that needs repair. I hope it is in his book?

[@scorpionJB]

and this position is why Obama is not concerned AT ALL about the unique challenges facing black people that no other people can even begin to fathom....we are finished if we all don't wake up......

[@sweetscorp]

Exactly. I am sick of many of these so-called "black activists" talking about black unity on one hand, but then they'll be the first to say that someone isn't "black enough" for one ridiculous reason or another. How much money have Tavis Smiley and Cornel West made off of Black people from the many books they've written? What progress have we made in the Black community as a result of the annual State of the Black Union?

[@aitraining]

I am Republican. Not that my party is what it was 20 years ago. Not enough space to type a suitable answer to your question, except I am for limited gov't taxation for business growth, strong military for threats to our national security, health care reform (reform - not Gov't program). Those are my top 3 issues right now. Obama and Democrats basically scare the $hit out of me with each one of those issues.

[@supreme7g]

@TheresNoTimeLikeNow well done.... we are more than what we are made to think we are.....

[@tamalona123]

i saw you today!!! very inspiring!!

[@jeanise10]

I see Tavis smiling any thing negative about obama gets plenty of smiles from him, i want to know whatt do they want him to do, he is using everything in his power to protect us without being prejudiced against other races, he has created some good progams that reach people in our communities like Aids, homeless perevention, all of these things affect us much more greater than any other race. you don't have one black senator and you all know it takes senators and congressman. they make law

[@nonplayerzealot4]

Good point, Brother SalinaGrrrl.

[@ninjastarfoo2]

Cornell West is now supporting Obama for President. As far as "What he is willing to sacrifice?" and "where is his courage?" Obama has devoted his life to public service forgoing an easy, rich existence in order to serve America

[@Yarbols]

i think that professor West makes many valid points and serves well as the vital voice for them, however to state that a political candidate, particularly that for the presidency of the United States, should not walk the tightrope of public opinion, fundamentally misconstrues the true nature of the contest in this political structure and time.

[@ssmcg10]

This is not from today's conference in 2008. It is from last year's conference in 2007--when Obama announced his candidacy in Illinois.

[@zcat18]

The presidential election isn't about "us" (as Dr. West defines it, which is to say that "us" means "African Americans"). It's about America. There is no room for the "us vs. them" rhetoric of militancy in our political landscape.

[@betweendakeys]

I am willing to sacrifice Senator Obama's participation in this yearly pontification fest to gain the ultimate goal of the Presidency. Proving a point to White America isn't enough incentive, we've been there and done that. Look at the way the Reverend Wright situation has been blown out of proportion. Can you imagine the field day the "press' would have if Obama showed up at this Tavis Smiley event. Keep your eye on the bigger prize people.