Extra

Crowd at Bernie Sanders/Barbara Lee event chants JO-VAN-KA!

Today Senator Bernie Sanders endorsed Jovanka Beckles for Assembly District 15 following a weekend rally in Berkeley.

“While in Berkeley, I had the chance to meet with Jovanka Beckles, and I was impressed by her commitment to progressive values. In the State Assembly, she will fight for Medicare for all, a living wage for all California workers, environmental justice and criminal justice reform. I’m proud to support Jovanka Beckles in the 15th Assembly district."

Sanders met with Beckles following an auditorium-packing rally with Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) and a stem-winding campaign-style speech excoriating President Trump. Berkeley was the final stop on his dynamic, nine-state Get Out The Vote (GOTV) tour. 

Reflecting on the Saturday rally, Jovanka said, 

“As Congressmember Lee introduced Bernie, I was moved by the crowd’s effusive expression of its affection for their beloved representative.” 

“I was thrilled to be on stage while Senator Sanders explained to us all the vital need to get out the vote and to move beyond the Trump agenda. After Bernie’s speech, joining in raised hands with him and with Barbara Lee was one of the most inspiring moments of my life. 

“I am deeply honored and most grateful that he has endorsed my candidacy.” 

The event, on the grounds of Berkeley High School at the 3,500-seat Berkeley Community Theater, began with a speech by Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin. His repeated mention of Jovanka’s name evoked prolonged chants and a standing ovation for JO-VAN-KA! 

Of course, Bernie’s throw-down-the-gauntlet speech evoked frequent, classic, “BER-NIE, BER-NIE, BER-NIE” chants. When one audience member shouted “Bernie, 2020,” the crowd went wild. 

Bernie smiled.