As the political landscape in the United States continues to shift, two prominent progressive figures, Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, are taking their message of economic equality to the streets. Their "Fighting Oligarchy" tour is making waves across the country, with a series of rallies designed to rally support against what they perceive as the undue influence of billionaires in American politics.
The tour is set to hit Los Angeles on April 12, 2025, at Grand Park, where an impressive lineup of musicians will join Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez. The event will feature legendary artists such as Neil Young, Joan Baez, and Maggie Rogers, alongside indie sensations like Indigo de Souza and Jeff Rosenstock. Admission is free, with attendees encouraged to sign up on Sanders' website. Doors open at 9 a.m., and the first speakers are scheduled to take the stage at 1 p.m.
Jeff Rosenstock, one of the featured performers, expressed his excitement on social media, calling the event a "DREAM BLUNT ROTATION" and emphasizing the importance of the gatherings in fostering a sense of community and hope among those feeling disillusioned by the political climate. “It has been easy to feel powerless and alone since the election... seeing the massive crowds of people who are also tired of this bullshit attending these events has filled my heart with hope,” he stated.
The Los Angeles rally is part of a broader initiative that has already seen Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez travel to cities like Las Vegas, Tucson, and Denver, where they have drawn significant crowds. In fact, Sanders’ website reports that the tour has attracted over 107,981 attendees across seven states and has amassed more than 5 million views on livestreams.
Following the Los Angeles event, Sanders will head to Nampa, Idaho, on April 14, where he will speak at the Ford Idaho Center. This event will also be free, with doors opening at 3:30 p.m. and the speaking program beginning at 6 p.m. Sanders remarked, “Over the course of the next few weeks, I’ll be hitting the road to have real discussions across America on how we move forward to take on the Oligarchs and corporate interests who have so much power and influence in this country.”
On April 15, Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez will continue their tour in Bakersfield, California, at the Dignity Health Arena. This event is expected to be another opportunity for the duo to engage with constituents about the pressing issues of wealth disparity and corporate influence in politics. The event is scheduled to begin in the morning and wrap up in the early afternoon, with Ocasio-Cortez appearing as a special guest.
Sanders is no stranger to political activism, having made his mark in both the 2016 and 2020 presidential campaigns. Now at the age of 83, he continues to push for progressive policies, stating that this tour is not a campaign but rather a necessary response to the challenges facing the nation. “This is like presidential campaign rallies, isn’t it? But I’m not running for President, and this is not a campaign,” he told The Associated Press, highlighting the urgency of their message.
In addition to the rallies in California, Sanders will also make a stop in Missoula, Montana, on April 16, where he will address attendees at the University of Montana's Adams Center, joined by Sara Nelson, the International President of AFA-CWA. This event aims to further amplify the call for economic justice and to challenge the policies of the current administration.
Sanders has consistently emphasized that the American people, regardless of their political affiliation, are tired of the influence of billionaires in politics. In a recent statement, he reiterated, “The American people, whether they are Democrats, Republicans, or Independents, do not want billionaires to control our government or buy our elections. They do not want Republicans to decimate Social Security and the Veterans Administration.”
As the Democratic Party faces challenges in maintaining its support, with a recent NBC poll showing an approval rating of just 27%, Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez’s efforts aim to reignite enthusiasm among voters. Their focus on grassroots mobilization and direct engagement with the public seeks to counteract the narrative of political disillusionment that has permeated the country.
The "Fighting Oligarchy" tour, while primarily focused on deep-blue areas, has strategically included stops in Republican-held districts to emphasize the need for unity among working-class Americans. Sanders’ approach reflects a broader strategy to build a coalition that transcends party lines, advocating for policies that benefit all citizens rather than just the wealthy elite.
As the tour unfolds, the impact of Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez’s message will be closely watched, particularly in light of the upcoming elections. With their combined star power and commitment to progressive ideals, they hope to inspire a movement that challenges the status quo and advocates for systemic change.
In a political environment where many feel disillusioned, the "Fighting Oligarchy" tour represents a rallying cry for those seeking to reclaim their voice and advocate for a more equitable society. As Sanders prepares to take his message across the country, the question remains: will this tour galvanize enough support to influence the political landscape ahead of the next election cycle?
