Cornel West: No ‘gangster elements’ in campaign, denies GOP collab

  • Report: GOP operatives are helping his campaign in North Carolina
  • West insists his team is working hard to get on state ballots
  • He rejects the 'spoiler' label, says he has the right to run

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(NewsNation) — Dr. Cornel West, a third-party presidential candidate, denied allegations Republican operatives are helping his longshot campaign in an effort to siphon votes away from President Joe Biden.

During a Wednesday interview on “NewsNation Now,” West was asked about a report that GOP operatives connected to a firm are helping get him on the ballot in the battleground state of North Carolina.

“That is news to me. This campaign does not welcome gangster elements from whatever party it could be,” West said. “There is no doubt about that.”

West insisted his campaign has been working hard across the country to get his name on state ballots, though he acknowledged not having the resources of Biden or former President Donald Trump.

The 71-year-old activist and philosopher pushed back on the “spoiler” label, saying he, Biden, Trump and others all have the right to make their case to voters in a democratic election.

When asked if Biden could offer him something to drop out, West was dismissive.

“Biden is denying genocide and enabling genocide, a war criminal himself,” West said. “We need to have an alternative.”

2024 Election

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