Rapper Killer Mike, a campaign surrogate for Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), took heat Tuesday for saying “a uterus doesn’t qualify you to be president of the United States” in reference to Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.
The New York Times reported that Killer Mike, whose full name is Michael Render, told a 4,800-strong crowd at Morehouse College in Atlanta that he was supporting Sanders because of his progressive platform. Render said Clinton’s approach to policy was slower than Sanders’ and not progressive.
While introducing Sanders at the rally, the Run The Jewels rapper also recalled a conversation he said he had with feminist activist Jane Elliott.
“I talked to Jane Elliott a few weeks ago, and Jane said, ‘Michael, a uterus doesn’t qualify you to be president of the United States. You have to be — you have to have policy that’s reflective of social justice,'” Render recalled.
He then voiced his support for Sanders’ policies.
“Paying women fair wages is social justice,” he said. “Making sure that minorities have jobs is social justice. Ending a bullshit drug war is social justice.”
As the “uterus” line started to circulate, Render defended his comments on Twitter:
So Women are being told to not vote Hillary is sex betrayal & Becuz another progressive woman says something disagreeing I’m sexist. Lmfao
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) February 17, 2016
Render’s tweet referenced comments former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright made at a recent campaign rally for Clinton. She said, “There is a special place in hell for women who do not help other women.”
Render also suggested some progressive women he said he’d like to see in the Oval Office:
I wud gladly see Any one who can lead this country on behalf of the worker lead. Cynthia McKinney, Elizabeth Warren, Connie Rice. I’m ready
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) February 17, 2016
But i don’t and never will Hate or think less of woman. Sen. Nina Turner is my Next Great Political Champ but I’m sorry No HRC for me.
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) February 17, 2016