In an announcement that sent ripples through the political landscape, celebrated academic and progressive advocate Cornel West revealed he’s throwing his hat into the presidential ring for 2024. West, a well-known scholar, and former professor at both Harvard and Princeton universities, declared his intention to run as a third-party candidate representing the People’s Party.
In a video shared on Twitter, the 70-year-old intellectual expressed his desire to champion those who’ve been “pushed to the margins,” criticizing both major political parties in the process. He voiced his disapproval of President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, both vying for the presidency in 2024.
West, who famously labeled former President Barack Obama a “war criminal” and supported democratic socialist Senator Bernie Sanders during the 2016 and 2020 presidential campaigns, stated, “In these bleak times, I have decided to run for truth and justice, which takes the form of running for president of the United States as a candidate for the People’s Party.”
His candidature reflects his lifelong pursuit of truth and justice, seeing the presidency as another vehicle to further this quest. West’s platform, as detailed on his campaign website, includes a commitment to end wars, dissolve NATO, erase all student debt, expand Social Security, and invest in renewable energy sources.
Despite his influence, West faces the daunting challenge that confronts all third-party candidates: securing his name on ballots in every state. He joins a diverse field of presidential hopefuls from both sides of the political divide.
On the Republican front, former Vice President Mike Pence recently announced his campaign, joining a crowded field including Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, talk-radio host Larry Elder, tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, and former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson.
Democrats also face their share of competition. Attorney Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and author Marianne Williamson are challenging Biden for the party’s nomination.
The entrance of a high-profile leftist candidate such as West could introduce an intriguing dynamic to the 2024 elections. His presence on the ballot might draw votes away from the Democratic nominee in the general election, potentially reshaping the race in ways that are difficult to predict at this juncture. As conservatives, it behooves us to watch this development closely, reminding us yet again of the nuanced complexities of American politics.
