Black business icon — co-creator of Phat Farm and Def Jam — Russell Simmons reveals that he is throwing his full support behind Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in a stream of tweets and a CNN interview.
Simmons believes that Clinton has an honest progressive agenda that will serve Black voters.
“Bernie Sanders is over-promising. He’s insensitive to the plight of Black people, and what good is it if you don’t take lobbyist money and don’t acknowledge the No. 1 threat to America and to the world is the factory farming lobby because it is poisoning the planet quickly,” Simmons said in a CNN interview.
The news came as a surprise to many of his fans. Clinton has been grilled by many Black voters for her vehement support of President Bill Clinton’s 1994 crime bill, which was responsible for the current epidemic of mass incarceration in the Black community. She has gone on record for calling Black children who have committed crime “super predators.”
In a series of tweets, Simmons urged Black voters to rally behind the Clinton campaign:
After speaking to Bernie Sanders I have decided that he is over stating what he can deliver to underserved communities
— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) March 4, 2016
I have decided to to go with my long time friend who has been nothing but honest and supportive of the progressive agenda that I care about
— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) March 4, 2016
Today I announce my full support for the next president of the United States, @HillaryClinton. #ImWithHer
— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) March 4, 2016
Yes I believe Hillary will fight the prison industrial complex and the factory farming industry Despite taking their money
— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) March 4, 2016
Hillary and all traditional candidates accept money from lobbyists without it they are dead Doesn't mean they fully support them
— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) March 4, 2016
Supporters of Clinton’s opponent, Bernie Sanders, did not understand why a Black mogul like Simmons would support her. In the comedic attack, Twitter users referenced Simmons’ faulty “Rush Cards,” and Sanders’ civil rights activism was brought up to defend the candidate’s commitment to the Black community.
So the guy who pushes a predatory payday card on underserved communities says that Sanders can't deliver for them? Really, @UncleRUSH?
— Pastor Ben (@BenjaminPDixon) March 4, 2016
https://twitter.com/PoliticsPeach/status/705783276603088896
https://twitter.com/PoliticsPeach/status/705782176663662592
https://twitter.com/sanders_bern/status/705823625685774336
BREAKING NEWS: Russell Simmons calls Bernie Sanders the 'Rush Card of presidential candidates'. https://t.co/g8UOUq1kEk
— A. Harmony (@AHarmonyMusic) March 4, 2016
I'm sorry Bruh that #RussellSimmons comment about #Bernie PISSED me off! He NEEDS 2 have SEVERAL 💺 💺 💺 💺 💺 💺 💺 💺 @whoisagentzero @UncleRUSH
— Stephanie (@StephaniePays06) March 4, 2016
Russell Simmons saw the tax hike Bernie was selling against the 1% and realized he wanted no parts of it.
— Lionel V. (@Vennie_VidiVici) March 4, 2016
Simmons has been in the media spotlight recently because of his efforts in Flint, Michigan, providing water for the victims of the water crisis and his partnership with the #JusticeforFlint fundraiser.
The business icon’s endorsement is timely.
The next Democratic presidential debate will take place in Michigan — a state with large Black populations in many of its cities. Clinton and Sanders are both fighting over the Black vote.
