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'Birdie Sanders' Clip From Portland Rally Goes Viral

PORTLAND (CBS SF) -- A bird's unexpected appearance at the podium during a Bernie Sanders rally in Oregon on Friday spread like wildfire on social media.

The bird's guest spot at the afternoon rally at Portland's Moda Center began when it landed on the stage during the Democratic presidential hopeful's address to a crowd estimated at around 11,000 supporters.

Sanders himself had just started to talk about it, saying "This little bird doesn't know it, but..." when the small visitor flitted up to the podium. The Vermont Senator stopped in surprise before smiling as the crowd roared its approval.

'Birdie Sanders' moment in Portland
'Birdie Sanders' moment in Portland (CBS SF)

Sanders eventually continued once the roar died down, shrugging  with a smile after the bird flew off again before saying, "I think there may be some symbolism here."

The moment led to online stories by CNN and Time as well as a host of tweeted pictures with the hashtag #BirdieSanders.

There were also plenty of references to the phrase "Put a bird on it!" made popular by the IFC sketch-comedy show "Portlandia."

 

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