In a passionate rally in North Las Vegas on March 20, 2025, Democratic U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Independent U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders energized a crowd of over 3,000, pushing back against what they termed an “extreme concentration of power and corruption” in the current administration. This event was part of their “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, aimed at rallying grassroots support and highlighting critical issues facing working-class Americans.
“Are you ready to fight? Are you ready to win?” Ocasio-Cortez called out enthusiastically to the audience at Craig Ranch Regional Park, signaling her intent to continue the political battle against the forces she argued are undermining democracy. She emphasized the urgency for collective action, stating that, “This country faces enormous crises,” a sentiment echoed by Sanders, who warned that today’s actions will impact future generations.
The tour aims not only to galvanize efforts in Nevada, but also extends to additional stops planned in Arizona and Colorado this week, focusing on building momentum against perceived oligarchic influences in government. This movement coincides with an increased public frustration over rising inflation and proposed cuts to key social programs, like Medicaid, by the Trump-led Republican agenda.
Both Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders did not shy away from critiquing the actions of Elon Musk, a significant player in the current political landscape, who they claimed is being treated as an unelected advisor by Trump. They alleged that Musk’s influence has been detrimental, particularly as he oversees cuts in federal agencies that serve the public interest, including the U.S. Agency for International Development. Sanders stated, “The only way to address the nation’s problems will require a frank discussion about the economic and political realities facing our country.”
The critical dialogue at the rally also touched on the dire stakes for social safety nets in the United States. Democratic Representative Steven Horsford spoke on the alarming proposal of cutting $880 billion from Medicaid, an essential lifeline for many Americans. “That’s not cutting waste. That’s cutting people’s lifelines,” he asserted, drawing boos from the audience, who clearly shared concerns over the potential implications for their communities.
Significantly, the political landscape for Democrats is fraught, evidenced by the party’s dismal approval rating of only 27% among registered voters, according to a recent NBC News poll. This discontent is exacerbated by a growing divide within the party regarding how to confront Trump and the legislative maneuvers he continues to pursue.
Some members of the audience openly expressed their frustration with party leadership. When a man shouted, “Primary Chuck!” in reference to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, it underscored a palpable urgency within left-leaning constituents for more vigorous resistance against the established powers within their own party. Schumer’s recent decision to support a continuing resolution urged by Republicans, which many Democrats opposed, has been criticized as a betrayal at a time when confrontational tactics might be necessary.
“No, we will not accept an oligarchic form of society where a handful of billionaires run the government,” Sanders declared fervently, drawing applause from the crowd. Likewise, Ocasio-Cortez emphasized class solidarity, urging attendees, regardless of their identities or backgrounds, to unite in their cause: “In fact, we can’t win without you.”
The “Fighting Oligarchy” tour adopts a compelling format, combining rallies with town hall meetings, creating a direct dialogue with citizens and appealing to their sentiments and concerns. The urgency is palpable as both leaders aim to transform grassroots support into actionable political changes. “We are all here to say very loudly and clearly, no, we will not accept a society of massive economic inequalities where the very rich are becoming much richer while working families across the country struggle to put food on the table,” Sanders stated.
As they prepare for their next stops in Arizona and Colorado, Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders underscore a critical moment in American politics. Their rallying cries resonate with a base eager for change, ready to fight against perceived injustices and inequalities. The results of this campaign may reverberate into future elections, as the Democratic Party navigates its identity and strategy moving forward amidst internal and external challenges.
