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VIDEO: Bernie and the Bird

Sanders doesn’t Flinch when visited by a finch. Image by Getty

By John A. Oswald March 27, 2016

Bernie Sanders didn’t flinch when he was interrupted by a finch — and the crowd went bonkers.

It’s been a good few days for the Vermont senator and thorn in Hillary Clinton’s side. On Saturday, he trounced the former secretary of state in Democratic nominating contests in Washington state, Hawaii, and Alaska.

“I think, I think there may be some symbolism here …I know it doesn’t look like it, but that bird is really a dove asking us for world peace.”

And on Friday, at a packed campaign stop in Portland, Oregon, Sanders got a social media gift that keeps on giving: In the middle of his speech, a sparrow alighted onto the stage and then the lecturn.

It was a showstopper for the Jewish presidential hopeful, and videos of the spellbinding moment have gone viral. Even Sanders’ campaign has posted it on YouTube.

Sanders’ reaction played perfect to his left-of-center fans.

“I think, I think there may be some symbolism here,” he declared. “I know it doesn’t look like it, but that bird is really a dove asking us for world peace.”

“No more wars!”

The Sanders faithful ate it up.

Someone had to do it. #BirdieSanders pic.twitter.com/Ya7tLjemQB

— karpour (@karpour) March 25, 2016

It’s quite clear who Mother Nature endorses for president (#BirdieSanders) pic.twitter.com/byuVaidUUO

— Chris Merle (@clmerle) March 26, 2016

I’m tired of the top 1% controling 99% of the wealth in this country. #BirdieSanders pic.twitter.com/8KJ2MwD3wy

— Sophia London (@Sophiasmusings) March 26, 2016

John Oswald is The Forward’s deputy digital media editor.