Cornel West and Sean Hannity find unlikely common ground despite deep political divide

Cornel West says he doesn't live to meet others' expectations, a philosophy he displayed by sitting down with Fox News host Sean Hannity despite their deep political differences.

"People say, ‘How could you even sit with Brother Sean? Why could you call Sean a brother?’" West said during Thursday's episode of "Hang Out with Sean Hannity."

"I don't live my life in order to satisfy other people's expectations."

The progressive scholar sparred with Hannity over socialism, Iran, immigration and President Donald Trump, but the conversation also revealed a personal connection between the two men.

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Cornel West joins Fox News primetime host Sean Hannity for an interview on the "Hang Out with Sean Hannity" podcast. The episode debuted Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Hang Out With Sean Hannity/Screengrab)

West repeatedly referred to Hannity as "Brother Sean," explaining that his Christian faith compels him to see every person as a fellow human being regardless of ideology.

"Each person is a brother and a sister, no matter what their politics are, what ideology, what color, their gender, their sexual orientation. They're human beings at that deepest level," he said.

"So when I see you, I see Brother Sean."

Hannity acknowledged that he expected the conversation to be more combative, saying despite their differences, "I just can't help but like you."

The two men disagreed over an array of issues while maintaining civility. During a discussion about the war with Iran, West accused the U.S. of committing a war crime by killing Iranian civilians.

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Fox News host Sean Hannity welcomed Cornel West to the latest episode of his podcast, "Hang Out with Sean Hannity." (FOX News Media)

"The precious children who were killed by U.S. bombs, that was wrong," West said. "That's a war crime."

Hannity pushed back against West's characterization, arguing that Iran's support for terrorism and attacks that killed Americans made the country responsible for the war. Hannity also cited the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, arguing that they prevented further American casualties.

The wide-ranging conversation also touched on education, poverty and the role of government, with West arguing that public institutions must do more to protect poor and working-class Americans, an argument Hannity disputed.

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Fox News fans can watch or listen to Hannity's full conversation with Cornel West on iHeartRadio, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever they get their podcasts.

Taylor Penley is an associate editor for Fox News Digital and contributor to FOX Business and Fox Nation who covers media, culture and Flash