Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders introduce The Strokes at Queens concert
Developed over time first seen 5 days ago
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders made a surprise appearance before The Strokes’ hometown concert in Queens on Friday. Their remarks connected the high-profile show with political participation and the band’s past support for Sanders.
At Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Ocasio-Cortez called New York “the greatest city in the world” and The Strokes “the greatest rock band of our generation”. Sanders spoke about economic justice, fighting racism, healthcare as a human right and standing up to authoritarianism, then urged the crowd to vote in November. The band previously played at rallies during Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign.
- Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders introduced The Strokes in Queens.
- Sanders spoke about justice, healthcare and opposing authoritarianism.
- He urged the audience to vote in November.
New here? Start with this
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is a Democratic congresswoman from New York, and Bernie Sanders is a senator from Vermont; both are prominent figures in progressive American politics focused on economic reform and social justice causes. The Strokes are an influential New York rock band that rose to prominence in the early 2000s and remain culturally significant figures in contemporary music.
The Strokes previously performed at campaign rallies supporting Bernie Sanders during his 2020 presidential campaign, establishing a public alignment between the band and progressive political causes. This prior collaboration illustrates the connection between these musicians and the political movement represented by Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez.
The visible intersection of musicians and politicians reflects a broader trend in American culture, particularly during election cycles, where entertainment figures increasingly coordinate with political leaders to promote shared causes. Such collaborations allow politicians to engage audiences through cultural platforms whilst musicians lend their cultural prominence to political movements.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters view this as meaningful political engagement where artists and elected officials authentically share values with their community. The Strokes have historically supported progressive causes, and connecting a homecoming performance to messages about healthcare, economic justice, and democratic participation represents a natural alignment of culture and civic responsibility. In this view, politics and music have always been intertwined, and using a cultural platform to encourage voting and support important causes is both appropriate and necessary.
The case against
Critics argue that inserting political speeches into a concert venue inappropriately politicises entertainment and may alienate attendees who came primarily for music rather than political messaging. This perspective holds that blending campaign activity with cultural events risks undermining both the artistic experience and the credibility of the political message, whilst potentially raising questions about campaign finance boundaries. From this standpoint, politicians should respect entertainment spaces as distinct from political organising, allowing audiences to enjoy music without feeling a captive audience to political appeals.
Full account
Two prominent Democratic figures made an unexpected appearance at a concert in New York City's Queens borough on Friday evening, introducing one of America's most influential rock bands to their assembled fans. The event took place at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, where The Strokes were performing a special hometown show. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders jointly introduced the New York icons to a substantial crowd, with Ocasio-Cortez opening the proceedings by celebrating both the city and its musical legacy.
Ocasio-Cortez's opening remarks characterised New York as "the greatest city in the world" before she handed over to Sanders, who delivered a more politically substantive address. The Vermont senator used the platform to commend the band for their activism around several key progressive causes, including economic inequality, racial injustice, and healthcare access, whilst also taking an electoral tone. He exhorted the assembled crowd to participate in the forthcoming November elections and stand against what he termed authoritarianism.
The appearance represented the latest chapter in a long-standing partnership between Sanders and The Strokes. The band had previously demonstrated their support for the senator's 2020 presidential campaign, headlining a 'Get Out The Vote' rally in Durham, New Hampshire. Frontman Julian Casablancas praised Sanders as a "dedicated, diligent, & trustworthy patriot – and fellow native New Yorker," noting the band's alignment with his efforts to challenge corporate influence in politics. Ocasio-Cortez had similarly engaged with the group, appearing at a fundraiser for New York mayoral candidate Maya Wiley in 2021.
The Queens concert, which featured supporting performances from Beach House, TV On The Radio, and Fcukers, had originally been announced in June coinciding with news of a delay to The Strokes' seventh studio album. 'Reality Awaits' eventually arrived in July to critical acclaim, with music critics highlighting the band's renewed creative vigour after a quarter-century. The group are now set to undertake an extensive UK tour this month, marking their most comprehensive British visit in two decades and including two nights at London's O2 Arena.
Where outlets differ
SOURCE 2 provides substantially more historical context about The Strokes' relationship with Sanders, including the 2020 Durham rally and Casablancas' specific statement; SOURCE 1 merely notes they previously played campaign rallies
SOURCE 2 identifies the supporting acts (Beach House, TV On The Radio, Fcukers), whilst SOURCE 1 does not mention them
SOURCE 2 includes information about 'Reality Awaits', its delayed release, critical reception, and the upcoming UK tour; SOURCE 1 omits all of this
SOURCE 2 mentions Ocasio-Cortez's prior 2021 involvement with The Strokes at a Maya Wiley fundraiser; SOURCE 1 does not reference this
SOURCE 1 emphasises Sanders' call to vote in November as its primary political message, whilst SOURCE 2 contextualises voting within The Strokes' broader progressive political engagement
More coverage
- NME — Watch Bernie Sanders and AOC introduce The Strokes at huge NYC homecoming show
- Rolling Stone — See AOC, Bernie Sanders Introduce the Strokes at Queens Concert
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by Consequence as “AOC and Bernie Sanders Introduce The Strokes Prior to NYC Show”.