Topic: Cornel West

A 2007 clip from the State of the Black Union features Keira Davis discussing the breakdown of discipline in homes and schools. Modern school policies are criticized for discouraging students from telling parents about bullying to avoid "escalation." In Portland, a woman on the street expressed indifference toward the shooting of a Trump supporter.

A 2016 recording features a conversation between Bob Avakian and Cornel West regarding the futility of voting within a capitalist system. Avakian argues that profound social change only occurs when people step outside the law, citing the Civil Rights Movement as an example of necessary non-compliance.

The hosts discuss the marginalization of black public figures like Killer Mike and Tavis Smiley who deviate from the Democratic Party line. They highlight Killer Mike's advocacy for the Second Amendment and the idea that the black community should be armed for self-protection. This segment explores how the media "disappears" individuals who challenge the established political narratives of the left.

The hosts discuss the resignation of Senator Al Franken, suggesting it was a strategic move by the Democratic leadership to pressure Republicans. There is speculation that Franken was a potential 2020 running mate for Hillary Clinton. His departure is viewed as a "falling on the sword" to maintain a moral high ground against Roy Moore and Donald Trump.

Cornel West appeared on Bill Maher's show to criticize Hillary Clinton's record on poverty and foreign policy, labeling her a "neoliberal." Maher used a train analogy to argue that while Clinton's "train" may be slow, Trump's "train" is heading to "hell." West maintained that voters should consider third-party candidates like Jill Stein.

A discussion regarding the death of Nelson Mandela contrasts his historical reality as a militant revolutionary with his modern media portrayal. Reference is made to Cornel West's term "Santa-clausification" to describe the softening of Mandela's image. The conversation touches on the violent tactics of the ANC, Winnie Mandela's controversial reputation, and the classification of Mandela as a terrorist by the United States until 2008.

Cornel West criticizes the quality of leadership present at the Martin Luther King Jr. anniversary celebrations. The conversation shifts to a discussion of classic films, specifically Casino and Tinker Taylor Soldier Spy. Sharon Stone's performance in Casino is praised as her best acting work.

The discussion touches on Cornell West's criticism of President Obama and a listener's observation about Dan Aykroyd. A Family Guy episode featuring Aykroyd as a CIA agent is cited as potential evidence of his real-world ties to the intelligence community's entertainment wing.

Cornel West delivers a scathing critique of Barack Obama, accusing him of using Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy as a political prop while overseeing drone strikes and failing to address poverty. West characterizes the administration's actions in Pakistan and Yemen as war crimes and highlights the lack of accountability for Wall Street executives.

Professor Cornel West appears on "Democracy Now!" and delivers a harsh critique of President Obama, labeling him a "Rockefeller Republican in blackface." West also accuses figures like Al Sharpton and Melissa Harris-Perry of selling out for "insider access" to the administration.

Professor Cornel West appears on PBS to discuss the meaning of success, criticizing the modern focus on material wealth and power. He argues that true greatness comes from service to others and the "prophetic tradition." The hosts mock his delivery and use the clip to launch a joke about being "old school."

The Occupy Wall Street protests are analyzed, specifically the "human microphone" technique used to bypass PA system bans. The hosts argue the movement is being co-opted and ridiculed by mainstream media, suggesting that protesters should instead focus on "breaking the third wall" of live broadcasts or using branding like V for Vendetta masks.

Cornel West and Tavis Smiley are criticized for their "Poverty Tour," which the hosts characterize as a corporate-sponsored media stunt. They also discuss West's harsh criticism of Obama as a "black mascot of Wall Street."