Music

Killer Mike accused of sexism during Bernie Sanders campaign

by Richard Howard

Atlanta rap vet and Run The Jewels member Killer Mike (government name Michael Render) has been very active in the run-up to the U.S. presidential elections.

Besides throwing his support behind Bernie Sanders, Mike has been a staple in the news media: the rapper released a six-part interview with Sanders late last year and has appeared regularly on news programs demolishing opposing candidates.

Recently, however, Killer Mike was taken to task by supporters of Sanders’ opponent for the Democratic nomination, Hilary Clinton, over a comment they’re claiming is sexist. At an Atlanta rally, the rapper recounted a conversation he had with feminist and anti-racism activist Jane Elliot in which she stated: “Michael, a uterus doesn’t qualify you to be president of the United States. You have to have policy that’s reflective of social justice.” Reaction was swift:

Killer Mike quickly reiterated that the statement was, in fact, a quote attributed to “another progressive woman” (Elliot) and was meant to discourage people from choosing to vote for Clinton solely because she’s a woman, as opposed to discouraging people from voting for women. He further outlined female politicians he would support such as Cynthia McKinney, Elizabeth Warren, Connie Rice, and Nina Turner.

As for Sanders himself, he echoed the distinction outlined by Killer Mike and dismissed the furor as “gotcha politics.”