WASHINGTON -- Atlanta-based rapper Killer Mike took the stage Monday night in his hometown to rally supporters for Bernie Sanders, the self-described democratic socialist who wants to be the next president of the United States.
Standing before a crowd of more than 5,000 people at Atlanta's Fox Theater, Killer Mike -- given name Michael Render -- declared that "in my heart of hearts, I truly believe that Sen. Bernie Sanders is the right man to lead this country."
I appreciate Sen. Bernie Sanders for Coming in #TheSWAGShop on Edgewood ave and talking with me for an hr about the course this country is taking. Thank U Sen. Sanders! #SpecialThanksToMattAndNoniesToo #ThankUSenSandersStaff #ThankUSWAG Shop Staff. Thank All who #FeelTheBurn #APoliticalRevoltionIsComing #HeThrowUp #RTJ #CoolOldMan #RespectHim A photo posted by Killer Mike (@killermike) on Nov 23, 2015 at 5:02pm PST
"I don’t trust the church or the government. A Democrat, a Republican. A pope or a bishop or those other men,” Killer Mike said in his introduction, quoting his own rap. "But after spending five hours tonight with someone who has spent the last 50 years radically fighting for your rights and mine, I can tell you that I am very proud tonight to announce the next president of the United States, Sen. Bernie Sanders.”
Before the rally, the two men also had lunch at Atlanta's Busy Bee Cafe. According to an ABC News reporter, Sanders ordered fried chicken (dark meat), yams, rice and gravy.
Brought this guy to Busy Bee on MLK in ATL. pic.twitter.com/K93EUniUZE— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) November 23, 2015
Killer Mike announced his support for Sanders this summer, citing Sanders's support for voting rights as his rationale.
It's official I support @SenSanders! His call 4 the restoration of the voters rights act sealed the deal for me.— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) June 29, 2015
Killer Mike has also been politically outspoken himself. After Michael Brown, an unarmed black man, was shot and killed in August 2014 by a white police officer in Ferguson, Mo., the rapper posted a moving tribute on Instagram. He also attempted to launch his own write-in campaign for a seat in Georgia's House of Representatives. However, that effort only lasted for a few hours.
Killer Mike said in an Instagram video that he had failed to fill out required paperwork.