Atlanta emcee Killer Mike, of the group Run the Jewels, endorsed Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) for President of the United States, reported the Huffington Post. It may not seem like it, but Killer Mike’s endorsement of Sanders is a big deal.
In a tweet, Killer Mike lambasted political dynasties like the Bushes and the Clintons. “I am beginning to see American political families like monarchs and I have no affection for monarchs,” he said. What makes Killer Mike’s endorsement so impactful is that his anti-legacy sentiments are commonly shared among many Americans. What’s more, Killer Mike is a well-known, outspoken advocate of the African-American community, a demographic that Clinton has been courting for some time.
Because of his stances regarding Ferguson and Baltimore, Killer Mike is an unofficial spokesperson of the American black community. Unlike prominent African-American figures like Barack Obama, Eric Holder, and Jesse Jackson, Killer Mike remains very much an influential part of the black community. Killer Mike’s endorsement brings the name and politics of Bernie Sanders into the African-American community in a way that no one else could.
Sanders’ recognition among minorities has been a concern among his other supporters because Clinton has an advantage when it comes to name recognition. With Killer Mike’s endorsement, Sanders’ recognition and support from the black community should climb.
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