Cornel West’s progressive appeal
A longtime progressive activist and scholar, West ignited some concern among Democrats when he first
announced his third-party candidacy in July.
West is a widely respected liberal thought leader and was a
key surrogate for Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., during his 2016 and 2020 presidential campaigns.
As Biden struggles to spark enthusiasm among
some key Democratic constituencies, West could threaten to tear crucial voters away from the president if he qualifies to appear on state ballots in November.
Perry said West’s liberal brand could appeal to younger voters and those dissatisfied with Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war, pushing for better protections for Palestinian civilians in the conflict.
West, a longtime member of the Democratic Socialists of America, has promised he would call on the International Criminal Court to investigate Israeli forces for potential war crimes. He also widely criticized Israel during a recent campaign stop in Michigan.
While West received just 2% support in the recent Suffolk University/USA TODAY national survey, Perry argued he could emerge as a spoiler candidate if enough progressive voters support him on moral grounds, even if they don’t believe he can win.
Could Jill Stein tip the scales?
Two-time Green Party nominee Jill Stein is throwing her hat into the presidential ring once again, running on a message that the “
the political system is broken.”
Stein, who previously ran in 2012 and 2016, has drawn backlash from Democrats who argue she cost Hillary Clinton the presidency in 2016. During that election, the environmental activist won more votes than Trump’s margin of victory in three swing states – Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
Political analysts have also argued that Stein drew crucial votes from Clinton, receiving 1% support nationally during the election.