Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez kicked off their "Fighting Oligarchy" tour in Arizona, drawing large crowds and a mix of cheers and chants. The event took place at Arizona State University in Tempe, where over 11,000 people attended, with many more outside. This tour aims to rally support against what they see as the growing influence of wealthy individuals like former President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk over American politics.
During their speeches, both Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez criticized the Democratic Party for lacking grassroots support and failing to effectively challenge Republican policies. Sanders pointed out that the party’s issues go beyond just Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, emphasizing that there is a need for stronger resistance against Republican leadership. He stated, "We have a message for Mr. Trump, and that is, we will not allow you to move this country into an oligarchy."
Ocasio-Cortez echoed these sentiments, urging the Democratic Party to be bolder in its fight for working-class Americans. She accused Trump and his allies of undermining the middle class to benefit the wealthy, saying, "We need a Democratic Party that fights harder for us." She encouraged supporters to back candidates who genuinely represent their interests.
The timing of this tour is significant, as it comes amid tensions within the Democratic Party. Many party members are frustrated with Schumer’s recent support for a Republican funding bill, which has sparked calls for a more aggressive approach to opposing Republican policies. Although neither Sanders nor Ocasio-Cortez mentioned Schumer directly in their speeches, the crowd’s chants of "primary Chuck" indicate a growing dissatisfaction among some Democrats.
The tour will continue to Colorado, with stops planned in Denver and Greeley before concluding in Tucson. The enthusiasm at these events showcases the duo’s ability to mobilize support and highlight key issues facing the Democratic Party as they prepare for upcoming elections. Sanders concluded his speech with a call to action, expressing confidence that their movement can defeat the influence of wealthy elites in politics.