POTUS 2016: Cornel West On Bernie Sanders And The TPP

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Cornel West, professor of philosophy at Union Theological Seminary joins Brian to discuss the presidential race and race in America. For Evidence Based Politics, the Trans Pacific Trade deal is discussed with Meredith Lewis of the SUNY Buffalo Law School.
Taped: 12-16-15
POTUS 2016 is a new half-hour weekly program, hosted by Brian Lehrer, with a roundtable of guests reviewing the week’s developments in the campaigns for President of the United States. A regular segment, “Evidence-Based Politics,” will look deeply into one timely campaign issue with a researcher who has published a rigorous study on the subject, countering half-truths and exaggerations with hard information. Popular WNYC Radio host Brian Lehrer moves into this new arena after hosting BrianLehrer.TV on CUNY TV for 10 years.
Watch more POTUS 2016 at www.tv.cuny.edu...

[@JP11994]

I used to have a very ignorant view that people that are religious were not intelligent but after years of listening Cornell West I learned how foolish I am.

[@erik_cruz]

+JP11994 It's VERY easy to have that view. Because all you ever hear about in corporate media when it comes to religious people is the religious crazies like Mike Huckabee, Ted Cruz, Michele Bachmann, etc. The same crazies who feel their religious freedom is in jeopardy because of gay marriage or that it is not legal to teach religious views in public schools. But just like only a very very small portion of Muslims are actually radicalized fundamentalist, there are many who tar and feather all Muslims with that ideology. When in reality the overwhelming majority are good, honest people who are just trying to live a good life. I feel that we Christians fall victim to that same effect when it comes to being put in the same category as our crazy Christian fundamentalist. How ever I think out Muslim brothers and sisters have it a whole lot worse. Most just think we Christians are just backwards thinking and "not intelligent". But unfortunately the narrative thats being pushed hard by a seemingly bigoted corporate media is that Muslims are "dangerous". A false narrative that is ruining so many lives. And for what reason? As a Christian, that kind of evil just perplexes me. But as an American, all that nonsense just makes me angry.

[@JP11994]

+Erik Cruz That is definitely the case

[@irthlingz]

+Erik Cruz There are also different kinds of intelligence. There are many Ivy League graduates doing great harm to our people and the planet that supports our lives. There are, unfortunately, too many religious people that, although intelligent, are clouded by their ideology.

[@irthlingz]

+Sharon Abreu That's not to say that there aren't many - and a growing number - of religious people that care about social justice, equality, humane treatment of all people, and stewardship of the Earth. There certainly are.

[@moety2]

+JP11994 Many religious people are intelligent. They just tend to keep their religious belief sheltered from critical thought and consistency. That's how you have religious people who believe in evolution and at the same time believe in Jesus. I find it pretty strange but I take them over those who deny it and other truths that we know today.

[@Burix1990]

I got so much respect for Cornel West, Killer Mike, and Nina Turner (Future VP pick?) for what they're doing for the African American community. Its about damn time we got people like them speaking out for the people. We need more people like this to help us spread the word.

[@idicula1979]

Seriously, Nina Turner would make a great VP. Tell your mother, tell your brother, tell your sister, and next door mister, tell your dead grandmother. On second thought don't tell Weekend at Bernie's, just show up at the polls, and may thine wishes be. BERNIE 2016 !!!!!!!!!!

[@sterowentUS]

cornel west is perhaps our warmest intellectual here in america. i find his ability to move his thoughts along in a coherent and streaming consciousness to be fascinating. he was given a minute at the end there, and yet he encapsulated the discussion, on two fronts mind you, without pause nor awkward steering. to be in line with prof. west in supporting bernie is an honor and perhaps speaks a great deal about where we're heading in reforming our democracy to the standards of our long distant founders, and then some.

[@nonya180]

+Sterowent I like how you worded that!

[@MrCalmlikeaBomb]

+alieninsurgent The American people are incredibly uneducated and far too religious. Many of the older people I work with still view the world in a cold war context. There's also something inherently anti-communal about the American Dream. Christopher Hitchens made a really great comment on it, saying we think life should be risky, and we don't want x for ourselves if we have to pay for anyone else's. It sucks, because we could be so much more, but it is what it is.

[@allenkreymborg7492]

+alieninsurgent FEEL THE BERN !

[@quintonguidryb1-fba]

I also recommend my fellow "open-minded" ppl to check out Dr. Thom Hartmann (on free speech tv)

[@nonya180]

+quinton guidry second that!

[@TimBradleyFromOz]

Go Bernie - he is going to win!

[@allenkreymborg7492]

+Tim Bradley WISH WE HAD HIM , AUSTRALIA ! FEEL THE BERN !

[@TimBradleyFromOz]

ALLEN KREYMBORG Hey mate - I am an Aussie too. And it would be great if we had him! Super awesome Oz!

[@mustardgreens8372]

+Tim Bradley Hillary will beat him.

[@joseribeiroferreira2670]

+Tony Slangenni Looser

[@mustardgreens8372]

jose ribeiro ferreira You spelled it wrong, loser. LOL Dumb ass communist.

[@Eusantdac]

Everyone's got to register and vote for Bernie! Tell your friends and everyone You know too. Good Luck!

[@justme7673]

+Eusunt Dac I have - I'm surprised, my friends my age (middle aged), my elderly dad (87 and not brainwashed by FOX) and my late mom's oldest friend, my nephew in his 30's....they are all for "Brother Bernie"....you go Bernie, feel the Bern. Before I found out about him, I was so hopeless I was like.... I'm not voting for HIlary, she's a Republican crook....I'll vote for the Green Party, I guess....

[@irthlingz]

Thank you for this excellent video. I have shared it on my FB page and Tweeted it.

[@den-densmith2905]

HISTORY WILL BE MADE FOR THE USA...ONE WAY OR THE OTHER...THE WORLD IS WATCHING, AND HOPING...BERNIE WE NEED YOU!!!!

[@CrystalsandCandles]

+den-den smith Some great comments on this video, this is one of them. Not big on the whole caps lock thang, but you're exactly right. The world needs Bernie Sanders to be the next President of the United States.

[@ScreamingForClemency]

+den-den smith get out to the primaries and vote Bernie! we can't have president Trump. we can't let that happen!

[@mustardgreens8372]

+den-den smith That is what they said about Obama, and look where that got us?

[@ScreamingForClemency]

Tony Slangenni he cut Bush's deficit in half. i'll give him that.

[@mustardgreens8372]

ScreamingForClemency That's a lie, he put us MUCH deeper in debt.

[@stephansaunders386]

I would love to take a class with Cornel West. He is amazing.

[@katgandee3458]

This was very interesting and informative. I appreciate how Dr. West discussed the concept of political maturity and how it transcends race, sex (religion, etc.). It is pretty sad when a number of the presidential candidates lack political maturity! This is critical because, at this point in time, we have so much at stake. The character of the candidate, and that candidate's qualifications, must be the deciding factors when we cast our votes, rather than whether we are "ready for" this or that candidate because of a trait that is irrelevant to the job at hand. We need a president who knows history, understands the current issues, and has the vision and the support to fix it. I believe, as Dr. West does, that this candidate is Bernie Sanders, and Dr. West would make an amazing addition to President Sanders' inner circle or cabinet.

[@TheMrSlyxx]

I have never in MY LIFE seen a candidate like Bernie Sanders, so profoundly grounded in the values of real people, who is willing to fight for the well-being of every man, woman, and child in this country. I pray that the people of America will all see it too. We are with you , Bernie!

[@curtandoscar]

I always love Cornel. Always a refreshing take on things and a truth-teller. We need many more like him.

[@jmiles3443]

I can only hope to be as articulate a speaker as Dr Cornell West. How does he continue his thoughts steadily with no pause to think? And with no stammering, he gets his point across in a clear, concise way. He is amazing

[@The195169]

Very eloquently put Brian. I think there should be a major protest across the United States before TPP is signed and give a message like Keystone to congress that is loud and clear!

[@tysonschmall3626]

this is the kind of movement that 30 year's from now you'll be proud to say you were their and involved.

[@dawnellafreeman4860]

Thank you Dr West....

[@michaelburnsfilms]

Thank you, Brother West. We love you and we love Bernie. Actually, love is not a strong enough word.

[@shame3857]

I love hearing Dr. West speak he is a truly good human

[@theprovincial]

Thank you Brother Cornel

[@upstateraider9425]

Christie can't distinguish between executive and legislative so his eyes glaze over. Democracy isn't easy Governor. Excellent presentation, thank you.

[@MrTerence102]

i swear i thought when bernie announced.... id be the only one who knew him!!!!! sooo wrong!!!

[@Kaditsu-Chronicles]

Cornel West is a brilliant man and I love to hear him speak his mind! Feel the Bern!❤️

[@CrystalsandCandles]

Cornell West continually impresses me with his intellect. I don't agree with him spiritually but what a mind

[@CrystalsandCandles]

+James Travers A "Blank out"!?? The GOP would have a field day with that... PLEASE don't do that!

[@johnpaul5474]

Cornel West is the coolest man in America.

[@melissah8415]

Great activist for Bernie along with Killer Mike and Nina Turner! Bernie has always be on the correct side of history. He will be on the correct side in the future. Bernie is bringing us together and that really scares the powers that be.

[@7tom1ja]

I listen brother

[@Lucuskane]

First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win! #feelthebern #bernie2016 #berniesanders #berniesnaders2016

[@Pablo123456x]

starts at 7:05

[@15ritolaj]

i feel like bernie is the "albus Dumbledore" of the presidential races! think about it! lol VOTE BERNIE SANDERS 2016

[@DNH17]

Listen to this guy!!! Listen to this guy at least at 12.00. Fortunately U.S.A. has also these people speaking. WAKE UP PEOPLE. Listen and speak up!

[@bitcoinsandgravy9955]

Leherer came across as a corporate tool. The TPP "Expert" they brought on was far from that. She was basically a TPP supporter with little depth to her argument if it can even be called an argument. Dr. West once again emerged as the brilliant, kind, thoughtful intellectual that he truly is. He makes me proud to be a human and humbled when I compare his depth to my own.

[@jokehim]

Wow I like this reporter and the nice Carnel West more peopl like these two for a small thought on truth is fantastic.

[@xarebabeba4486]

thank you for not talking about Hilary the whole show. never been big fan of dr. Cornell, but i never really gave him much of a chance. he is interesting and entertaining. also on the right camp ; )

[@rhead1391]

I'm appalled at her comment about how she is a progressive and a Democrat and still supports free trade, and that might explode your mind....... no, what blows my mind is that you can call these free trade agreements "free" and good for regular people, not just good for the corporations, as she said, need protections when they are in other countries that are special. Too bad, you risk your business for the profits, not so you can cover your asses because you bribed our politicians.

[@amanam2735]

Gotta love Cornel!couldn't agree more

[@Masaru_kun]

im glad the term 'fascism' is starting to come back into the language of political discussion. mussolini invented the term, after "fascio", a word for a small bundle of sticks, tied together tightly. he talked about how a small group of sticks, weak on their own, could group together and become strong. fascism is the concept of deriving strength from your 'group', your 'side', your 'team', and devaluing anyone who is not in that group.

[@seajayjason]

Read The important thing here how can we all find a way to spread this message to your families, friends, coworkers as while as far as we can. It is going to take a BIG PUSH. Everyone has to do there share.

[@willvonryan]

You gotta love Dr West

[@mrnyc220]

Cornel West is so on point

[@biancafromsouthafrica1287]

Amen to that which you said rudeskin84-!!Dr Cornel West is the business: listen to him he's obviously right because he's an academic and why not trust his support his Senator Bernie Sander as an example to follow-? Love to everyone Feeling The Bern-!

[@EngineeringMath]

107 likes, 0 dislikes. Well, now 108 vs 0

[@mareikeweitweg8222]

Bernie Sanders will make America the best country in the world.

[@clifforddriver4603]

we missed a real opportunity with Bernie Sanders. Black folks continue to pick candidates who don't like us, don't believe in us and never has and never will.

[@robertgrey5601]

I just want to spread awareness to register to vote in the primaries in your state folks. To find out how to vote for Bernie go-to. voteforbernie.org/. Make sure to find out when and where the democratic caucus night will be held in the area you live. Happy New year.

[@jayboogie861]

Hold on I love listening to dr. West but did he do all his lectures the same day. Cause his outfit never changes in all his videos.

[@russo2253]

Cornel is brilliant!!! I would vote for him but i know its not his thing!

[@BillyBowlster]

The TPP undermines other countries sovereignty, allowing them to sue governments if it harms corporation profits. For example Australia is being sued by the tobacco industry for their plain packing on every cigarette packet that tries to encourage users to give them up, in regards to the effect it has on their health. If the TPP was in and the tobacco industry lost to our court system then they could take it to a industrial court system and override our courts, thus our sovereignty as a nation. Who is the TPP for? America corporations dominance over the regions signing this shitty deal.

[@domknots1180]

Meredith fluffed her way through that.

[@7karlheinz]

So much for Rubiomania!

[@justinsands4633]

Dr.West is the modern day MLK Bernie Sanders/Cornel West 2020!

[@TheParadoxy]

I'm entirely lost on the TPP issue. Every presidential candidate is against it, I know. Is there a substantive argument for corporations having unethical influence on the TPP? The text is available. I feel like all three people were talking about entirely different things on this topic. Is anyone actually against free trade? It seems like we will always aim for free trade and then criticize the deal as not being fair enough no matter the result?

[@sergebaron9086]

are you kidding me I always an great philosophers.

[@communistjesus]

Brother West ALWAYS tells it like it is...

[@jimdandy3573]

that's hillary

[@AirAssault7]

No offense to the interviewer, but he looks and sounds like the Clock King from the Batman cartoon series in the 90s.

[@The195169]

ASIA doesn't eat cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, or butter! TPP is a shame on the working class and an attack on small business! Go Bernie!

[@twowaymuir]

WTF! Their lame poll chart has Mitt Romney's name where Rand Paul's should be. What's up with that! Romney is not even a candidate !

[@sergebaron9086]

what I was trying to say I always believe an great philosophers.

[@skylar9913]

The interview with Cornel West starts at 6:57

[@MixtapeKilla2004]

Gary Johnson 2016

[@renejreeves]

I love Dr West, but how can anyone support what we all know is going to be a continuance of the same direction that got us to where we are now. that's not a tough choice.

[@theyoutubeeditor3088]

Dr West is a smoooooth cat

[@nationalallianceforprogres3136]

Long live communism and freedom

[@guyfawkes2974]

FEEL THE BERN 2016

[@dgh469]

chelsea clinton married mark mezvinsky, a co-founder of a hedge fund, and a former investment banker at goldman sachs ... see any connection ? ... go Cornell and Bernie !!!

[@Moonsabie]

he is great with diversity

[@baby0babbling0bla]

I'm glad Bernie is friend with this guy. Imagine if he becomes one of Bernie's advisers if he wins the elections. I only wish Bernie also had close ties to Noam Chomsky and Richard Wolff (the scholar, not the journalist).

[@OghamTheBold]

With *R > G* and approaching destabilisation - not voting : is akin to climbing in your own gas oven - turning on the gas - willing your oven to your kids : with a will clause - they must leave it to the neighbours : in their wills. Nice lady - being examined - knows you should - always read exam questions carefully - she scored 0 : on the last broader question - didn't listen properly - maybe grav3yardgirl can lend / loan / borrow her - an earwax removal vacuum

[@shotscore55]

14:10 predicting trump

[@jimdandy3573]

and that's bush

[@napachick100]

WHY DO YOU PEOPLE THINK BERNIE WAS INDEPENDANT?????????????????????

[@MaoRuiqi]

West meets East? Well, let SC chocolate speak forth!

[@ScreamingForClemency]

why does Ted Cruz always look like he's wearing dentures?

[@theaccountant5133]

TPP! Another sellout!

[@frededward6176]

#StopTheTPP - Call Congress tell them "Vote #NOTPP " [phone] #BernieSanders #FeelTheBern #NotMeUS #EnoughIsEnough #Bernie Policies For #WeThePeople as did FDR & LBJ

[@rocker4577]

Congratulations on the ridiculous graphics - The Brass Eye's influence is greater than I thought.

[@MixtapeKilla2004]

Jesse Ventura 2016

[@usa-uj5mw]

They can’t stump Trump!! ¯\(ツ)/¯ 2016........Black live batter “no more” than other live...not one bit more!

[@quintonguidryb1-fba]

FEEL THA BERN !: text "GIVE" to 82623 to donate

[@jijiiaraki1193]

Comgraturation! TPPtreatment agreament with Japan. Super rich guys of USA.Whay will you want to The nation hated all over the world. what to do now? would you return 19TH?

[@Moonsabie]

it's true Americans suffer disproportionately to intact our foreign trade policies while Europeans milk off the contracts buts that is how we pay for European influence as the Europeans are extremely expensive and extremely corrupted with no challenge to there authority and position the Americans suffer but not for long they can not hold out any longer no can our patients the game is about over and we need that control for the safety of the world or one say Europe might try and get us to fight Russia again like they did after ww2

[@checkcall123]

Oh wow that was nonsense the last part, he just completely ignored it and start shouting about racism and big money, intellectual my a**!

[@Mutlap]

communist and socialist are all lost fools. The hatred of money makers will only created misery and suffering.

[@peterock7502]

hilary clinton a diaster for america trump too

[@martinko40]

Cornel West intellectual ?? give me a brake .

[@jonathanking2261]

Another highly left leaning individual who falsely regurgitates income inequality rhetoric

[@jonathanking2261]

playingdablues Haha.... I live a rather modest life. i'm more like a world traveling independent minded individual who just doesn't believe in helping people by heavily burdening others via taxation, nor do I see the justification of raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour. I like Bernie's foreign policy and his stance in regard to criminal justice and social liberties. His economic/fiscal policies just make no sense to me from a moral perspective as well as in regard to their potential consequences. I just respectfully disagree.

[@ItsTheApeManWC]

+Jonathan King the ones you claim to be heavily burdened have not been burdened at all with the weight of taxation as the ones who are. We are talking about the top 1/10 of 1% earners in the country. billionaires who pay a disproportionately less amount of taxes on the money they make. mind you the money they make comes almost directly from from the lowest 50 to 75% of the rest of the country in product and service payments. why not? they have tax havens where they can hoard their earnings with no taxes at all.

[@DNH17]

Fortunately Cornel West. USA has people that study ... but still you say "America" .. that is a colonialist way of saying. America is north and south ... stop the egocentrism brain gangrene. Think with your own mind, this mean study, read, get an education. Educating means: getting the (best) out of yourself! Read ethimology. Start from Mythology.,.. you will understand what you are not understanding.

[@DouglasIRL]

you forgot to add socialist and distorter of facts

[@seajayjason]

+Douglas IRL your opinion thank you

[@DouglasIRL]

sea jay However i will say out of all the leftists in our country he does use class and speaks to others he disagrees with as people and you can have hard arguments with him without the usual name calling you get from the other leftists and liberals

[@simpleman295]

+Douglas IRL the Republicans do the same name calling so I just want to put that out there... it's not a left side thing it's a modern corrupt American politic thing.

[@DouglasIRL]

Brandon Anderson It is a staple of the left it's part of who they are

[@simpleman295]

+Douglas IRL that's ur opinion then. I'm not in any party and I feel objectively I see most of the politicians, especially in presedential elections, use the corrupt tactics, name calling being one of them, the same over a long period of time. tbh I feel republicans have done this more of recent. my point ultimately is that the bs that goes on in politics and how we elect them is a corrupt process and all parties and majority of polticians running are equally to blame.