A record-breaking turnout marked the latest rally of Bernie Sanders’ “Fighting Oligarchy: Where We Go from Here” tour, held in Los Angeles on Saturday. The event attracted over 36,000 attendees, setting a new record for the Vermont senator. Musical performances by Joan Baez and Neil Young added to the rally’s energy, with Young encouraging the crowd to reclaim America.
This tour has consistently drawn significant crowds, with the largest political rally in Arizona’s history recorded in Tempe just three weeks prior. In Denver, Colorado, Sanders attracted a milestone crowd of over 34,000 people. The Los Angeles event was no exception, as attendees gathered at Gloria Molina Grand Park, named after a significant figure in Los Angeles politics.
The rally featured performances from various musicians, including The Red Pears, Maggie Rogers, and Indigo de Souza, alongside Baez and Young. The perfect weather complemented the high-energy atmosphere as Neil Young, dressed in black, performed before introducing New York representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. She received an enthusiastic reception, emphasizing issues of power, greed, and corruption in the country, and pointed out specific California lawmakers supporting recent Trump policies.
The Raise gospel choir delivered a powerful rendition of “Power to the People” before Sanders took the stage. He addressed the crowd with a critique of the Trump administration, highlighting concerns over tax breaks for the wealthy and the influence of big money in politics. Sanders’ message resonated deeply, particularly given recent actions by figures such as Elon Musk and cuts to safety-net programs like Social Security and Medicare.
Among the attendees were Cindy and Victor Villanuevo, who expressed their concerns about cuts to science funding and their implications. Rose Matthews, a retired teacher, voiced her worries about the future of veterans’ benefits, reflecting the broader anxieties shared by many in attendance.
Sanders’ tour, launched in late February, aims to provide an outlet for Democratic voters’ frustrations during a time when Trump’s administration appears to be accelerating its agenda. The tour has visited major cities and Republican-held districts that supported Joe Biden in 2020. Joined by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Sanders continues to build on a progressive movement that challenges the current political landscape.
Several prominent figures, including progressive congress members Pramila Jayapal and Ro Khanna, addressed the Los Angeles crowd, joined by union leaders representing various sectors. Eunisses Hernandez, a Los Angeles city council member, delivered a compelling speech about the divisive tactics of the Trump administration.
The tour will continue with events in Utah, Idaho, and Montana, further returning to California for appearances in Folsom and Bakersfield. Sanders’ criticism of a recent immigration raid in Kern County highlights ongoing concerns over racial profiling, adding urgency to his message.
The Bottom Line
Sanders’ tour underscores a growing progressive movement eager to address issues of inequality and democratic integrity. For many attendees, the rallies offer a sense of community and empowerment amidst political turbulence. Local concerns such as cuts to essential programs and racial profiling resonate deeply, emphasizing the urgent need for political change.
The tour’s impact extends beyond the political sphere, influencing local communities by highlighting pressing issues and fostering engagement. As the tour progresses, it continues to attract diverse audiences, underscoring widespread dissatisfaction and a desire for meaningful reform in American politics.