With the next Presidential election almost a year away, candidates are trying to woo celebrities in hopes that their endorsement will persuade ~everyday Americans~ like you and me to vote for them in the primary and general election. Although the so-called mainstream media is paying little attention to Sen. Bernie Sanders, except for when polls for New Hampshire and Iowa indicate he's leading the presumed Democratic nominee, Hillary Clinton, dozens of notable artists signed a pledge this past week endorsing Sanders.
Calling for a political "revolution" and emphasizing racial and economic equality, Sanders has stood out in the crowded field of candidates not just because of his party affiliation, he's a self-described Socialist running for the Democratic nomination, but because his proposed policies and core beliefs resonate with a significant cohort of Americans who feel as if they are ill-represented in government.
Therefore, it should come to little surprise that some of the signees are from punk rock groups like the Dead Kennedys, Babes in Toyland and Sonic Youth who have long advocated for some sort of revolution in American society. Killer Mike, who makes up half of Run The Jewels and regularly speaks out against racial injustice and police brutality as was a guest of the Pres. Obama this year also signed the letter.
Cadien Lake James of Twin Peaks who played at last year's Culture Shock also signed, as did all the members of The Red Hot Chili Peppers.
It's hard to measure how much a celebrity endorsement really helps a candidate secure a nomination or win the election, however in the past two elections, people like Jay Z, Beyonce, Bruce Springsteen, Eddie Vedder and Katy Perry have all publicly announced their support for Pres. Obama. Carole King, Clay Aiken and Ariana Grande are a few artists who have shown support for Clinton during this current election cycle.
Here's a playlist of music created by people who support Sen. Sanders. If you want to register to vote, click here.
**WIUX does not endorse Sen. Sanders or any candidate
