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

Part 2

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."

To watch the entire weekday independent news hour, read the transcript, download the podcast, search our vast archive, or to find more information about Democracy Now! and Amy Goodman, visit http://www.democracynow.org.

Rating:
  • Currently 0/5 stars.

Views: 79

Comment

You need to be a member of True Skool Network to add comments!

Join True Skool Network

Best guide to hip hop, soul, reggae concerts & events in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles & New York City + music, videos, radio and more

Subscribe to E-Blast

WIN TICKETS

Juvenile
Friday, June 5 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

DaBoyDame w/ Keyshia Cole, Plies +more
Friday, June 19 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Buju Banton & Stephen Marley
Saturday, June 20 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Khalid
Friday, June 26 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley

Thee Sacred Souls
Saturday, Aug 15 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley

Jungle
Wednesday, Oct 7 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley

Connect

Members

Photos

  • Add Photos
  • View All

Latest Activity

Editor's Pick posted discussions
6 hours ago
TEAM BIGGA RANKIN posted a discussion

Spotlight on Artist Sharon Marie Cline

Performed as a jazzy Cha Cha! It's a fun, festive and spicy take on this American classic jazz standard ! Breathing new life into this saucey piece!Arranged by Todd Hunter , this song can make smile make you dance and make you want to sing along!Click Here To Stream/Add to Spotify PlaylistsTodd Hunter-…See More
11 hours ago
Editor's Pick posted a discussion
yesterday
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

Feel Good Fridays with Renoir at Mad Oak Bar, Oakland

May 29, 2026 at 9pm to May 30, 2026 at 1am
FRIDAY, MAy 29Kick off your weekend at Feel Good Fridays! 🎧 Renoir (aka the Ren Vinyl Archaeologist) brings the best Hip Hop, Top 40, House & Throwbacks. Come dance and feel the good vibes! 🙌🔥Mad Oak Bar, Oakland •  FREE entry | 21+ | 9pm-1am>> RSVP Here…See More
yesterday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Saturday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Friday
Optical Media Manufacturing Inc is now a member of True Skool Network
Friday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Thursday
Editor's Pick posted videos
May 6
Editor's Pick shared their discussion on Facebook
May 6
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

GZA OF WU-TANG CLAN FEAT. PHUNKY NOMADS at Yoshi's, Oakland

May 9, 2026 from 7:30pm to 11:30pm
MAY 9, 2026GZA OF WU-TANG CLAN FEAT. PHUNKY NOMADSYoshi's 510 Embarcadero West,Oakland, CA 946071ST SHOW: DOORS: 7:00PM / SHOW: 7:30PM 2ND SHOW: DOORS: 9:15PM / SHOW: 9:30PM>> BUY TICKETSSee More
May 6
realmuzik posted a discussion

Nayan Raina Turns a Late-Night Feeling Into a No. 1 Hit on Apple Music With “Phone”

There’s something quietly universal about staring at a phone screen, waiting for a message that never comes. For artist Nayan that feeling became the foundation for “Phone,” a hypnotic hip-hop duet with Yesha Sagar that has now reached No. 1 on Apple Music Video Chart.…See More
May 5

© 2026   Created by Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service