In the past decade, voters have seen many non-politicians run for office, but Dr. Cornel West may be the first philosopher to run for president in recent years. Dr. West is an independent candidate running with Dr. Melina Abdullah as his running mate. On his platform, he strongly emphasizes “truth, justice and love,” labeling each section as “Racial Justice,” “Environmental Justice,” “Education Justice,” etc. This includes far-reaching programs to support women, people of color, people with disabilities, and people from the LGBTQ+ community.
Abortion: Dr. West advocates for “embracing safe and legal abortion, contraception, and fertility treatments ensuring every woman, irrespective of her economic status, race, or location, navigates her reproductive health with dignity, free from barriers or censure.”
Border security: Instead of advocating for border security, Dr. West believes in “Immigration Justice,” which involves demilitarizing the border, protecting the right to asylum, and “creating clear, broad legal pathways for residency.”
Climate change: Dr. West believes in creating a global initiative to address climate change including halting oil and gas as well as providing climate reparations and preparing for displacements caused by climate change.
Crime and guns: Dr. West believes in ending mass incarceration, reforming juvenile justice systems, redistributing police funding towards preventative measures, and developing alternatives to incarceration.
Economy: Dr. West advocates for a $27 minimum wage, a wealth tax, steps to abolish poverty and homelessness, expansive parental leave, and breaking up monopolies.
Foreign policy: Dr. West believes in reallocating the military budget to humanitarian efforts, including ending military funding for Israel and canceling debt for developing nations.
Healthcare: Dr. West champions “Beyond Medicare for All,” aiming to enshrine healthcare as a human right, provide support for reproductive rights such as abortion, resources for gender-affirming care and a “Health Bill of Rights for Disabled People.”
