In a surprising turn of events at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on Saturday night, April 12, 2025, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders took the stage just before singer-songwriter Clairo's set, urging young attendees to engage with pressing political issues. Fresh off a rally in downtown Los Angeles that attracted tens of thousands, Sanders emphasized the importance of the younger generation in shaping the future of America.
"This country faces some very difficult challenges," Sanders declared, his voice resonating through the crowd as he was introduced by Congressman Maxwell Frost of Florida, who referred to him as one of the best members of Congress. The senator continued, "The future of what happens to America is dependent upon your generation. Now, you can turn away and ignore what goes on, but if you do that, you do it at your own peril." His message was clear: apathy could have dire consequences.
Sanders, who had earlier hosted a "Fighting Oligarchy" rally alongside Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, used his platform to address several critical issues, including climate change, women's rights, and economic inequality. The crowd responded with loud boos at the first mention of President Trump, prompting Sanders to acknowledge their sentiment with a simple, "I agree." He criticized Trump for believing that climate change is a hoax, stating, "He is dangerously wrong and you and I are going to have to stand up to the fossil fuel industry and tell them to stop destroying this planet."
As he spoke, Sanders highlighted the urgent need for activism, especially regarding women's rights. "All over this country, not just in California or Vermont, but in Florida and other states, politicians are trying to take away a woman’s right to control her own body. We need you to stand up and fight for women’s rights," he implored the audience.
In his critique of the current economic landscape, he noted, "We have an economy today that is working very well for the billionaire class but not for working families. We need to help create an economy that works for everybody, not just the one percent." He also pointed out the failures of the U.S. healthcare system, emphasizing that the country is the only major nation that does not guarantee healthcare for all its citizens. "Healthcare is a human right," he asserted.
Following his impassioned speech, Sanders introduced Clairo, praising her for using her prominence to advocate for social justice issues. "Now I’m here to introduce Clairo, not just because they are a great band, but for the great work she’s doing to fight for women’s rights and to try to end the terrible brutal war in Gaza where thousands of women and children are being killed," he said, highlighting her commitment to humanitarian causes.
Clairo, known for her outspoken political views, has been vocal about her support for women's rights and her criticism of Trump. On Inauguration Day, she tweeted, "Witchcraft on Trump ASAP," reflecting her disdain for the former president. Her engagement in political discourse has been evident as she uses her platform to advocate for change.
The Coachella audience, which had initially been sparse as they transitioned from other performances, quickly filled in as Sanders spoke, drawn by his call to action. The senator's presence at the festival not only added a political dimension to the event but also energized the crowd, who cheered as he concluded his remarks by thanking Clairo for her efforts.
Earlier that day, Sanders had participated in a free concert dubbed "Bernie-chella," featuring musical guests like Neil Young, Joan Baez, and Maggie Rogers, aimed at raising awareness about economic inequality and the influence of oligarchs in politics. The rally was a significant success, drawing a crowd of approximately 36,000 people.
As Clairo took the stage following Sanders, the atmosphere shifted from political discourse to musical celebration, yet the impact of the senator's message lingered in the air. The festival-goers, many of whom are part of the younger generation Sanders addressed, left with a blend of hope and urgency to engage in the political landscape.
In a world where music festivals often serve as an escape from reality, Sanders' appearance reminded attendees of the importance of remaining vigilant and active in the face of political challenges. His call to action resonated with many, reinforcing the idea that the fight for justice—whether it be economic, social, or environmental—requires the involvement of the younger generation.
As the night progressed, Clairo took to the stage, her performance infused with the spirit of activism that had just been imparted by Sanders. The blend of music and politics at Coachella this year created a unique atmosphere where attendees were not only entertained but also inspired to think critically about the world around them.
Overall, the 2025 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival proved to be a platform for both artistic expression and political engagement, with figures like Bernie Sanders playing a pivotal role in bridging the gap between the two. The message was clear: the future is in the hands of the youth, and their involvement is crucial for shaping a better tomorrow.
