Watch CBS News

Director Spike Lee Endorses Bernie Sanders For President

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Two Brooklyn boys are teaming up.

Filmmaker Spike Lee is backing another son of the borough -- Bernie Sanders.

"I know that you know the system is rigged," he says in a radio ad that's playing in South Carolina before the Democratic primary there Saturday. "And that's why I'm officially endorsing my brother Bernie Sanders."

Lee praises Sanders for not taking money from corporations in the ad. He also notes that the Vermont senator participated in the march on Washington and protested segregation in Chicago public schools.

The ad is meant to appeal to African American voters, 1010 WINS' Steve Kastenbaum reported. Sanders has struggled to make inroads within the African American community in the early primary state, Kastenbaum added.

And in a reference to one of his early films, Lee says that once in the White House, Sanders will "do the right thing.''

A writer, director and actor, Lee's films include "Do the Right Thing,'' and "Malcom X.'' His most recent movie "Chi-Raq'' is about gun violence in Chicago.

Lee endorsed President Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012.

Sanders is trying to close a gap with Hillary Clinton. Latest polling shows Clinton ahead with 60 percent and Sanders at 31 percent.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.