Tavis Smiley & Cornel West on Election, Why Calling Obama Progressive Ignores His Record 2/2

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As the most expensive presidential election in U.S. history comes to an end, broadcaster Tavis Smiley and professor, activist Dr. Cornel West join us to discuss President Obama's re-election and their hopes for a national political agenda in and outside of the White House during Obama's second term. At a time when one in six Americans is poor, the price tag for combined spending by federal candidates -- along with their parties and outside groups like super PACs -- totaled more than $6 billion. Together, West and Smiley have written the new book, "The Rich and the Rest of Us: A Poverty Manifesto."

Both Tavis and Smiley single out prominent progressives whom they accuse of overlooking Obama's actual record. "We believe if [Obama] is not pushed, he is going to be a transactional president and not a transformational president," Smiley says. "We believe the time is now for action and no longer accommodation... To be the most progressive means you've taken some serious risk. And I just don't see the example of that." West says that some prominent supporters of Obama "want to turn their back to poor and working people. It's a sad thing to see them as apologists for the Obama administration in that way."

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• Category

  News & Politics

[mulabate]

Cornel West & Tavis Smiley have Truth,reality and a populace agenda that needs yet to be brought to the awareness of the nation. The issues these great men are addressing are indeed at the root cause of our nations problems.

These guys are Great, NOT owned stoogies they are independant thinkers who are concerned about "ALL" people of this nation. Come on my fellow citizens of USA let's show recognition & support to these outstanding men.

[Litt1eLisaMarie]

Ty for being responsible journalists.

[TehLeek]

He's written books. Products. He doesn't build businesses, that is not his profession. He is a political activist and a professor, and as a professor he builds the future for our students, so every job they have he has helped provide them. As an intellect, his wealth is knowledge and intelligence, and he has helped spread facts and truths. You are too materialistic to see the gains he has made.

[NiqueJ Miller]

His "hometown?" How many places is this guy from?

[ZephonTLucifer]

He is an intellectual professor that's what he builds - intelligence. Something you sorely lack when you try to taint any intellect for the parasitical reasons of those one being disagreement with ZERO rationale or reasoning behind it.

[Catherine Tibaaga]

He is part of the intellectual class. Many of your elites have probably attended the very institutions where he is professor.

[ezekielthemack]

Harjinder, Dr West has been reaching out to the occupy movement for over a year! Do a search on youtube and you'll see him at various occupy events in America, not to mention "stop and frisk" demonstrations also.

[Randell Monaco]

West and Smiley do an excellent job bringing forward the issue of political influence on WBEZ and the detriment to diversification of public media.

This is a matter of great concern and a refection of elite power which doesn't serve the interests of people. Consider how mainstream media bashed OWS after ignoring their message. Consider the significance of the NDAA on journalists the continued pursuit despite the court's ruling. Then think about the militarization of our police durng NATO

[TheBaybunie]

I love how Tavis and West calls b.s. on the so-called “liberal media”.

[ChicaWolverina]

Yeah well, just try and understand that adding more Muslims isn't what's meant by diversity just so that you can oppress LGBT people and than only give lip service to stagnant wages for the middle class when it's the lowest paid that are ones getting shit on by all the rest! Fuck You!

[isleofmehr]

When Travis left BET it went down hill and i do not watch it, have not watched it since, i remember when you can watch good music video and have your mind feed. Can you image Travis interview these so call artist today....

[BillMcGirr]

I might not agree with everything said but... THIS IS BRILLIANT!