"Good democrats always want to hold back on the possibility of mean-spiritedness and cold-heartedness," said West, who said he is a long-time opponent of the death penalty.
The speakers said they hope to begin grass roots movements across the country to combat the death penalty.
"We need to organize an activist's campaign that puts pressure from below on politicians," said Keach, who is also a member of the International Socialists Organization (ISO).
The ISO initiated this new movement, but the campaign has since become independent and is sponsored by dozens of organizations across the nation.
The speakers said they are willing to work with other groups to abolish the death penalty.
"I'll sit down with anybody trying to do some good on one particular issue," West said.
Boston University Emeritus Professor Howard Zinn, who had been scheduled to speak at the press conference, was also unable to attend