Progressives Rally in L.A. as Frustration Builds Ahead of Election Season

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — An estimated 36,000 people gathered for the “Fighting Oligarchy” rally on Saturday, featuring Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The event, held in downtown Los Angeles, showcased a growing frustration among liberal voters, who are increasingly disillusioned with their party’s leadership as the 2024 midterm elections approach.

Senator Sanders, 83, addressed the crowd, emphasizing the need for a Democratic Party that actively resists Republican policies and corporate control. “This isn’t just about the Republican attacks on working people, L.A.; we need a Democratic Party that fights harder for us too,” Ocasio-Cortez remarked, calling on voters to support candidates who prioritize the needs of the community over special interests.

The rally, described by attendees as a lively combination of political activism and musical entertainment, included performances by artists such as Neil Young and Joan Baez. Young’s rendition of “Rockin’ in the Free World” echoed the event’s underlying themes of activism and resilience. “We’re gonna make our revolution with joy,” Sanders proclaimed, as the crowd responded with enthusiasm.

Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez’s nationwide tour, aimed at engaging progressive voters, comes at a time when many feel the Democratic Party is losing touch with its base. Following their recent stops in states like Arizona and Colorado, the Los Angeles event was touted as Sanders’s largest rally to date, surpassing his previous gatherings during presidential campaigns in 2016 and 2020.

Attendees expressed a mix of anger and hope at the rally, voicing their concerns over political complacency and the influence of wealth in politics. “We can’t just let this happen,” said Rose Matthews, a retired teacher who is particularly worried about cuts to social services under the current administration.

Both politicians have carved out a space for voters dissatisfied with traditional party dynamics. Sanders criticized the vast wealth held by top executives, including Elon Musk, describing their influence in elections and governance as a form of oligarchy. “When we talk about oligarchy, it is not just economics,” he said, highlighting the corruptions of campaign finance as fundamental issues that undermine democracy.

Ocasio-Cortez echoed these sentiments, condemning the role of money in politics as a corrupting force. “This movement is not about partisan labels or purity tests,” she asserted. “It’s about class solidarity.” Her presence at the rally not only energized the crowd but also hinted at her growing stature as a leading figure among progressives.

The palpable energy at the rally contrasts starkly with frustrations voiced about high-profile Democrats who did not attend, including Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden. Their absence has left some to question the effectiveness of the Democratic Party in addressing the pressing issues affecting working-class Americans.

Many attendees articulated their feelings of disillusionment with the traditional two-party system, indicating a readiness for more radical change. “I feel like the two-party system just doesn’t represent my values anymore,” said Sasha Treadup, suggesting a potential shift towards third-party voting.

As the political landscape evolves, the campaign continues to mobilize support in what they describe as a fight against a corrupt political system. Sanders will visit several Republican strongholds in the coming weeks, further challenging the narrative that progressive politics cannot resonate in conservative areas.

This message of empowerment, coupled with an emphasis on community and grassroots activism, may very well define the political discourse as Americans navigate the tumultuous waters leading to the 2024 elections.