Bernie Sanders calls Phish 'one of the great bands' in America

Bernie Sanders took a strong policy stance on Wednesday by rightfully declaring Phish to be one of the country's greatest bands.

The Vermont senator, who rose to political fame as the mayor of Burlington, made the comments at a rally in Portland, Maine, on Wednesday, where he thanked the band's drummer, who had just performed with the opening band.

"Let me thank, I guess, one of Vermont's heroes who is now transplanted, Jon Fishman," Sanders said, prompting Fishman to yell out, "No, thank you!"

"Jon and Phish have made New England proud," continued Sanders. "They are one of the great bands, have been one of the great bands in this country," he accurately proclaimed.

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The rock band, now in its 32nd year, got its start in Burlington and most of the band's members and extended circle live or maintain a deep connection to the state.

It should be no surprise, then, that they've rallied behind Sanders, softly pushing their fans to do the same.

Fishman, the group's eclectic drummer and namesake, is a vocal Sanders supporter, having appeared in a campaign video earlier this month, where he called on supporters to vote in the primary. 

The band also gave Sanders a thinly-veiled endorsement during a soundcheck at last summer's Magnaball festival, when Fishman and guitarist Trey Anastasio repeatedly yelled "Feel the Bern" and "Are you ready to feel it?" during its soundcheck.

The fun kicks in before the three-minute mark.

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