Clairo Brings Out Senator Bernie Sanders for Coachella Performance

BY: FREDRICK CAESAR / STAFF WRITER

(Photo credit: Emma Mcintyre/Getty Images for Coachella)

Festival season is fast approaching. Tens of thousands flock to California each year to see their idols perform their greatest hits in elaborate fashion. This year was different, however, as it opened with more than just fireworks and tight choreography. 

Headlining bedroom pop artist Clairo shared her stage with United States Senator Bernie Sanders in a historic first for the concert. He began his address with a heartfelt thanks to the youngest member of Congress, Maxwell Frost, whom he lauded as one of the brightest rising stars of the Democratic Party. 

His speech was a rallying cry to the nation's youth to encourage them not to give up in the fight against oligarchy and to recognize their own political power.

 He took no issue with strongly criticizing the president for his policies and conduct in regards to the assault on reproductive rights, as well as the inhumane treatment of migrants at the southern border.

 Also included was a dismissal of his position of climate denialism, calling him “Dangerously Wrong”. He went on to name the fossil fuel industry as one of the greatest existential threats facing the future of our country. 

Furthermore, he stated that the current construction of the economy disproportionately favors the top 1% of so-called earners while disenfranchising working families.

 Healthcare was also a primary concern; a longstanding talking point for the senator has been that the system is long overdue for a complete overhaul.

Nearing the end of his speech, he commended Clairo for her commitment to using her platform to raise awareness for the ongoing war against the Palestinian people and the ensuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. 

In regards to the rest of the concert, things went on as scheduled with stellar performances from chart-topping artists like Charlie XCX and Travis Scott. 

This is hardly the first instance of politics bleeding into the realm of popular media. Take, for instance, Sinead O’Connor, who famously tore a photo of Pope John Paul II on SNL in a symbol of protest against the Catholic Church on national television. 

This speech was not a part of a campaign or a stop on a press tour to promote a new book. It was simply a plea to the heart of the nation to reject nihilism and unite around our common interest. 

Trump’s return to office has prompted a revival of civil unrest not seen since the summer of 2020. The resurgence of large-scale protests and political demonstrations has raised alarm bells as many on the right view it as a sign to redouble their efforts to crack down against student activists across the country. 

The recent abduction of Mahmoud Khalil has emboldened thousands to join the movement, prompting authorities to fast-track laws prohibiting and restricting the movements of suspected agitators. 

Those galvanized by the recent decisions coming out of the Whitehouse number in the tens of thousands, among them Senator Cory Booker, who delivered a 25-hour speech condemning the recent executive orders being issued by the presidency. 

The question of political efficacy in the mainstream has often been viewed as one of conformity versus authenticity. After all, can an elected official speaking on the most financially lucrative stage in the world truly be considered revolutionary? 

The fact is that it doesn’t have to be; it only needs to inspire. The work that follows extends further than masses of people clamoring towards a stage. The revolution will be televised, and the ratings will determine the course of history. If the dominant structure is causing this much turmoil, then the only rational course of action is to tear it down and start fresh.