Cornel West to appear on Michigan ballot, thanks 'brother' RFK Jr as Trump endorsement requests pour in
LANSING, MICHIGAN: Cornel West, the independent presidential candidate has successfully secured his place on Michigan's ballot, following a state judge's ruling on Saturday, August 25.
The decision comes after West and his running mate, Melina Abdullah, were previously disqualified from the ballot due to technical issues.
Judge James Robert Redford's ruling supports Cornel West's candidacy
Judge James Robert Redford ruled that Cornel West's campaign had submitted the required number of signatures and that presidential candidates are not obligated to file affidavits of identity.
This ruling was issued after the Michigan Bureau of Elections initially informed West on August 16 that he would not be certified because his affidavit of identity was not properly attested, according to the Associated Press.
In his decision, Judge Redford rejected the state's findings regarding the notarization of West's affidavit. Professor and progressive activist West is embroiled in many legal and political disputes that may affect the outcome of the presidential race.
Republicans and Democrats alike are keeping a close eye on West's campaign, with some Republican allies in states like Arizona urging him to remain on it out of concern that he would steal votes away from Vice President Kamala Harris.
The Democratic party in Michigan has challenged his candidacy and has indicated to appeal the ruling as per the publication.
Cornel West celebrates Michigan's victory, acknowledges Robert F Kennedy Jr's support
Cornel West later responded to the court's decision with a triumphant message on X, formerly known as Twitter.
"Victory in Michigan! We brought thousands of voices to the table, and the court listened, rejecting the Democrats' technical challenges. This is a win for democracy and for every person fighting for truth, justice, and love. Onward!" West wrote.
Victory in Michigan! We brought thousands of voices to the table, and the court listened, rejecting the Democrats' technical challenges. This is a win for democracy and for every person fighting for truth, justice, and love. Onward!#WestAbdullah2024 #Michigan #NotDroppingOut… pic.twitter.com/AyGSWMtlWh
— Cornel West (@CornelWest) August 25, 2024
Additionally, on Monday, August 26, West announced another milestone in his campaign.
"Dear People of Texas, we are now officially approved to run our write-in presidential campaign in your state. This is another win in our journey to make sure as many Americans as possible have a real choice this November," he shared.
Dear People of Texas, we are now officially approved to run our write-in presidential campaign in your state. This is another win in our journey to make sure as many Americans as possible have a real choice this November. Learn more at https://t.co/lmG3w3GHcH and join the… pic.twitter.com/NeIL77wGnK
— Cornel West (@CornelWest) August 26, 2024
Following the Michigan ruling, Robert F Kennedy Jr tweeted a congratulatory message to West, expressing his gratitude for the independent candidate's commitment to ending corruption after he shared a video on "understanding and addressing the role of pharmaceutical influence in public policy"
Brothers and sisters, it's time we commit to understanding and addressing the role of pharmaceutical influence in public policy. I propose a COVID-19 Truth Commission to explore the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities, seek reparations, and ensure justice and… pic.twitter.com/XteB3MBBBg
— Cornel West (@CornelWest) August 25, 2024
"So grateful to you, Cornel, for your commitment to ending the corruption," Kennedy wrote. This post came shortly after Kennedy suspended his own campaign and endorsed Donald Trump.
So grateful to you Cornell ,for commitment to ending the corruption.
— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) August 26, 2024
Internet reacts to Cornel West's comments about RFK Jr
Cornel West responded warmly to Robert F Kennedy's support, stating, "Thank you, my dear brother, @RobertKennedyJr - we must fight against all forms of corruption, greed, hatred, and genocide! God bless you and your precious family!"
Thank you my dear brother @RobertKennedyJr - we must fight against all forms of corruption, greed, hatred and genocide! God bless you and your precious family! https://t.co/Dnmrs8RzNt
— Cornel West (@CornelWest) August 26, 2024
However, West's comments sparked a variety of reactions online, with some users urging him to endorse Trump and others criticizing his support for Kennedy.
One user wrote on X, "Cornel West when are you going to endorse Trump? That would be EPIC! And your legacy would be cemented for the ages."
Another commented, "His family denounced him. What blackmail do the Ruskies have on you, Brother West?"
@CornelWest when are you going to endorse Trump. That would be EPIC! And your legacy would be cemented for the ages
— Professor Nez (@professornez) August 26, 2024
His family denounced him.
— YourMamaJoke (@BadIdeaGuyJohn1) August 26, 2024
What blackmail do the Ruskies have on you, Brother West?
One user remarked, "My brother. Now you are really dipping your toes in the deep end. This seems like a new side of your campaign. And it seems reckless," while another said, "Well, this is unexpected! Good for you."
My brother. Now you are really dipping your toes in the deep end. This seems like a new side of your campaign. And it seems reckless.
— Fredrik Portin (@PortinFredrik) August 26, 2024
Few questioned West's stance on Kennedy's endorsement of Trump. "Do you condemn him for endorsing Trump?" asked one user, while another wrote, "In all fairness, RFK is part of the corruption and greed you want to fight against."
In all fairness RFK is part of the corruption and greed you want to fight against.
— Derik the Selfish Man (@theSelfishMan) August 26, 2024
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.