Music

Bernie Sanders ends stirring speech with David Bowie's "Starman"

by Jesse Locke

On February 1 at the Iowa caucus, U.S. democratic candidates Bernie Sanders and Hilary Clinton went head to head. Clinton was eventually declared the winner by a small margin, but Sanders may have truly won the hearts of music fans with a stirring speech concluded by a well-timed cue of David Bowie’s “Starman.”

As supporters chanted “Feel the Bern”, the self-described democratic socialist stepped up to the podium at a rally in Des Moines to reiterate his campaign promises. It’s worth watching the entire rousing speech, but the Ziggy Stardust classic kicks in at around the 16:35 mark.

Even if Sanders isn’t a lifelong Bowie fan, his musical leanings are just as righteous as his politics. Back in 1987, he took part in the recording session for an album of protest and civil rights-era folk songs.

Alongside Killer Mike, other musicians who have voiced their support of Sanders include Neil Young, Vampire Weekend, the Go-Go’s Belinda Carlisle, the MC5’s Wayne Kramer, Lil B, and many more.