Bernie or Hillary? — The African American vote is becoming the increasingly decisive factor in the fierce Democratic nomination race. But whose track record comes out on top?

“The Bernie Sanders campaign is a loooooove train.” explains Cornell West. “Get in on the movement.”

With the greatest African-American academic of our generation and one of the world’s foremost radical intellectuals coming out for him, you might expect Sanders to be making strong headway among black voters.

But Bernie is still struggling to dislodge Hillary Clinton’s dominance among the African American community. Although Sanders was boosted by winning 30% of the African American vote in Michigan, exit polls in Mississippi’s Democratic primary showed 89% of black voters supported Clinton and Sanders has struggled to win above 15% of the vote with black people in the south.

As the race for the democratic nomination comes down to the final rounds, the African American vote looks increasingly like it could be the decisive factor.

But which candidate has really earned those votes? Who has the best track record on issues that disproportionately affect the black community, like police brutality; access to healthcare and education; and the prison industrial complex?

Comedian Matt Orfalea has entered the fray with his video mashup of Sander’s high-profile supporters, including Killer Mike, Harry Belafonte, Spike Lee and Erica Garner, daughter of Eric Garner, who featured in Sanders’ brilliant campaign video It’s Not Over (below).

Orfalea’s video polemic comes hot on the heels of his brilliant explainer on the Sanders campaign, Do The Bernie Bongo (below).

In just three-and-a-half minutes, his bongo rap tells you more about Bernie Sanders’ all-conquering presidential campaign than any nightly news report.

Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Latest on Huck

“I refuse to accept child poverty is a normal part of our society”: Apsana Begum MP on voting to scrap the cap
Activism

“I refuse to accept child poverty is a normal part of our society”: Apsana Begum MP on voting to scrap the cap

After seeking to “enhance” the King’s Speech by voting for the scrapping of the controversial two child benefit cap, the MP for Poplar and Limehouse lost the Labour Whip.

Written by: Apsana Begum

Is skateboarding really a subculture anymore?
Outdoors

Is skateboarding really a subculture anymore?

With skate’s inclusion in the Olympics, Kyle Beachy asks what it means for the culture around the sport, and whether it’s possible to institutionalise an artform.

Written by: Kyle Beachy

Autism cannot be cured — stop trying
Activism

Autism cannot be cured — stop trying

A questionable study into the ‘reversal’ of autism does nothing but reinforce damaging stereotypes and harm, argues autistic author Jodie Hare.

Written by: Jodie Hare

Bristol Photo Festival returns for second edition
Photography

Bristol Photo Festival returns for second edition

After the success of it’s inaugural run, the festival returns this autumn with exhibitions, education and community programmes exploring a world in constant motion through still image.

Written by: Ben Smoke

Documenting the life of a New York gang leader paralysed by gun violence
Photography

Documenting the life of a New York gang leader paralysed by gun violence

New photobook ‘Say Less’ is a complex yet humanising look into a life wrecked by gun violence and organised crime.

Written by: Isaac Muk

The woman who defined 80s Hip Hop photography
Photography

The woman who defined 80s Hip Hop photography

A new exhibition brings together Janette Beckman’s visionary and boundary pushing images of an era of cultural change and moral panic.

Written by: Miss Rosen

Sign up to our newsletter

Issue 80: The Ziwe issue

Buy it now