Independent presidential candidate Cornel West has made explosive claims against Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign, alleging that they attempted to bribe him to drop out of the 2024 race.
Speaking on the Status Coup News podcast, West stated that the Harris campaign offered him a prominent position in her administration and a promise to cover his campaign debts if he agreed to step aside.
West’s candidacy has caused concern within the Democratic Party, as polls suggest his presence on the ballot could draw votes away from Harris in crucial swing states, potentially aiding President Donald Trump’s chances of re-election. Despite the pressure, West has refused to back down.
West described how Harris campaign staffers reached out to him, encouraging him to support Harris, framing it as a significant moment, particularly for Black Americans. However, West was unmoved by their approach, stating, “I told them; I said you all just talking to the wrong brother.”
When the podcast host asked if a specific cabinet position was offered, West alluded to “serious, substantive” discussions that could have led to such an offer but did not provide further details. If true, West’s claims could cast a shadow over the Harris campaign’s efforts to secure the presidency in 2024.
West remains on the ballot in several battleground states, including Wisconsin, Georgia, and Pennsylvania, with a recent Michigan court ruling ensuring his inclusion on the ballot there as well. These developments recall past Democratic strategies, such as when Rep. Joe Sestak (D-PA) claimed the party pressured him to drop out of a Senate race during the Obama administration.
