Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders embarked on a three-day tour through electorally important western states, targeting President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk. While criticizing Trump and the GOP for betraying working and middle-class Americans, especially in regard to health care, social security, and veterans benefits, Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez also took aim at their own Democratic Party. They urged for a more aggressive approach against Republicans and called for a stronger strategy to resist the current administration’s actions.
The first stop in Las Vegas saw the duo addressing a crowd of thousands, criticizing Trump’s attempts to consolidate power away from Congress and the judiciary. Sanders warned against the dangers of moving the country towards an oligarchy, vowing not to allow Trump, Musk, and other billionaires to harm the nation. Ocasio-Cortez emphasized the need for the Democratic Party to fight harder for the working class and urged voters to support Democratic officials who prioritize this mission.
The large crowds at the Sanders-Ocasio-Cortez events underscored the growing support for their progressive message. With thousands attending their rally in Tempe, Arizona, the tour, named “Fighting Oligarchy,” continued to Denver and Greeley, Colorado, and would conclude in Tucson, Arizona. Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer faced backlash from within his own party for supporting a Republican federal funding bill to avert a government shutdown, although neither Sanders nor Ocasio-Cortez directly addressed Schumer during their speeches.
While refusing to comment explicitly on calls for Schumer to step down, Sanders acknowledged the concerns among some attendees at the rallies. Chants of “primary Chuck” were heard in Las Vegas, and individuals expressed disappointment in Schumer’s leadership choice, believing there was a need for stronger, more assertive leadership in the face of challenges from figures like Musk and Trump. Sanders reassured the crowd of his commitment to fighting against what he described as Trump’s oligarchy friends, expressing confidence in their ability to be defeated.
Overall, the Sanders-Ocasio-Cortez tour highlighted the Democratic Party’s internal struggles and reinforced the need for a more cohesive approach to resisting the Trump administration and its allies. By calling for Democratic officials who prioritize fighting for the working class and pushing back against Republican policies, the progressive leaders aimed to galvanize support for a more aggressive, assertive stance against the challenges facing the country. The large turnout at their events indicated a growing appetite for a more robust pushback against the status quo, signaling potential shifts within the party and beyond in the lead-up to future elections.
