Cornell West is a smart man. He knows that if he makes it to the ballot box in November (which isn't guaranteed), any vote he gets would be a vote he potentially took away from Biden, and will help Trump. Not only does he know it, but even Fox News knows it because one of their hosts said it. Cornell obviously wouldn't say this out loud because it's not good optics to do so.
Cornell West was one of the loudest Progressive votes against Trump during his time as President. So why would he run for President when he stands 0.0000000% chance to win, won't get any real mainstream media attention to speak on his objectives, and could actually end up helping Trump?
Which is something he obviously wouldn't want to do unless he has something to gain from it. Like, paying off $500,000 in taxes. Because he's not going to get any additional fame or notoriety from this stunt, nor will he effect Democratic policy in any way, shape or form.
You see, you guys do this all the time in TLR. When a Democratic Governor or President does something good, you always question the motive and suggest that they were only doing it to pander. Not because it was simply a good policy objective to accomplish or it was the right thing to do.
But now, one of your own is questioned, and it appears to hurt you.
He's not running for President for some militant cause.