Why #BlackLivesMatter Activists Are Targeting Bernie Sanders
Jamil Smith, senior editor at The New Republic, discusses why the Black Lives Matter movement has disrupted several of Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders' rallies, the most recent of which came in Seattle on July 8th, when members of the group shut down his rally. Many people on social media have been asking why the group has been targeting Sanders, who was a supporter of the civil rights movement in the 1960's and has spoken out against racism and inequality in his campaign speeches.
#BlackLivesMatter at Sanders rallies: This isn't a "win your hearts" campaign; it's a #staywoke campaign. @JamilSmith pic.twitter.com/NweWzjuc8c
— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) August 11, 2015
@BrianLehrer Will #BlackLivesMatter become a Washington DC lobby group? That's how you get attention in the USA.
— alm (@CocoFEB2013) August 11, 2015
#BlackLivesMatter not worried abt Sanders' past – concerned with future, his plans as president says @JamilSmith.
— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) August 11, 2015
@BrianLehrer @JamilSmith I don't understand these callers. All of the candidates should be challenged on this issue.
— Tammi Williams (@digitam) August 11, 2015
@BrianLehrer The woman doesn't represent informed #BlackLivesMatter supporters, who prefer progressives like Sanders or O'Malley.
— Matt Skeete (@skeeterx7) August 11, 2015
Black voters are past hope/change. They’re not here for a message; they’re here for someone’s plans. -@JamilSmith
— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) August 11, 2015
