Bernie Sanders surprises Coachella, warns fans against ignoring Trump: 'Turn away at your own peril'
Fresh off a packed rally in downtown L.A. that drew tens of thousands, Sanders (flanked by Congressman Maxwell Frost) spoke ahead of Clairo's Saturday night set.
The most consequential cameo of Coachella so far was an unbilled guest slot from Sen. Bernie Sanders.
Fresh off a packed rally at Gloria Molina Grand Park in downtown L.A. that drew tens of thousands, Sanders (flanked by congressman Maxwell Frost, a Gen Z inheritor of his vision), spoke just ahead of Clairoâs Outdoor Theater set at 8:15 p.m.
âThis country faces some very difficult challenges. The future of what happens to America is dependent upon your generation,â Sanders said. âYou can turn away and ignore what goes on, but if you do, you do it at your own peril.â
Sanders advocated for the young Coachella crowds to not give in to despair at the current Trump administration, and to remember theyâre still in the fight for the environment, womenâs rights and peace in Gaza.
The crowds heartily booed the first mention of President Trump (âI agree,â Sanders said in response).
Sen. Bernie Sanders, left, and Rep. Maxwell Frost at the Coachella music festival on Saturday in Indio.
(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
âHe thinks that climate change is a hoax. He is dangerously wrong, and you and I are going to have to stand up to the fossil fuel industry and tell them to stop destroying this planet.â
Recognizing the urgency of the moment for Clairoâs fan base, he reminded them that âin many states politicians [are] trying to take away womenâs rights to control their own body,â he continued. âWe need you to stand up and fight for womenâs rights.â
Then he played his equivalent of his greatest hits â railing against billionaires like Elon Musk.
âWe have an economy today thatâs working very well for the billionaire class but not for working families. We have a healthcare system thatâs broken. Healthcare is a human right.â
Then he brought out Clairo, who Sanders said has âused her prominence to fight for womenâs rights and to try and end the terrible and brutal war in Gaza.â
Most fans probably came to Coachella to escape the grimness of politics today. But as always, politics will follow them anyway, and Sanders made it feel hopeful for the faithful.