Everyone is entitled to criticize Obama's policies, but beating him up in racial terms is crude and unfair. Being black himself does not excuse West from the racial extortion he practices. (By the way, why can't an African-American be a Rockefeller Republican if he so chooses?)

Not only hasn't Sanders condemned these remarks but also his campaign manager, Jeff Weaver, defends them. Weaver says of West: "He's a forceful voice for understanding the intersection of racial justice and economic justice. He understands very well Bernie's message."

Boy, are these guys tone-deaf.

That's the problem with movement politics, no matter what end of the political spectrum they occupy. Movement politics tend to be narcissistic and dictatorial. They allow dissent only within a narrow philosophical band. That constrains the ability to hear through others' ears.