Sanders and AOC Draw Tens of Thousands at ‘Fighting Oligarchy’ Rallies

DENVER, Colorado — Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez drew over 34,000 attendees during their “Fighting Oligarchy” rally on April 13, 2025, signaling a resurgence of progressive fervor amid President Donald Trump’s second term.

The rally, which focused on calls for reforms such as Medicare for All, affordable education, and a Green New Deal, highlighted widespread dissatisfaction with both major political parties. “This system is rigged by billionaires and it’s time we demand change from below,” Sanders said, echoing sentiments shared by many in the crowd.

Accompanied by a lineup of progressive allies, Sanders emphasized the need for grassroots organization while condemning the existing political establishment. “We are here because we refuse to be silenced. The anger we feel today must transform into action,” he added, stirring cheers from the audience.

The event marked a significant departure from the usual political landscape, as neither Sanders nor Ocasio-Cortez are currently running for office. Instead, they are mobilizing support across both red and blue states, urging citizens to unite against what they describe as an escalating oligarchic system. “Together we can fight back against the forces that seek to divide us,” Ocasio-Cortez stated, emphasizing solidarity in the face of adversity.

The “Fighting Oligarchy” tour has received massive support, surpassing attendance figures from previous electoral campaigns. Their message resonates especially among younger voters and working-class individuals who feel increasingly disenfranchised by the ongoing challenges posed by the Trump administration. Many rally-goers expressed frustration over issues like inflation, cuts to social services, and perceived government negligence toward the middle class.

One attendee, 27-year-old migrant worker Sofia Lopez, remarked, “We need leaders who understand our struggles. Sanders and AOC are giving us hope that we can fight for a better future.” Similar sentiments echoed throughout the crowd, showcasing a collective yearning for change and representation.

The backdrop of these rallies includes a notable political climate of discontent, not only against Trump but also toward Democratic leaders who many believe have failed to offer substantial opposition to his policies. Polls indicate that disapproval ratings for Trump have recently surged as dissatisfaction grows among the electorate.

In interviews, attendees highlighted various grievances, including deteriorating working conditions and the rising influence of corporate interests in politics. Sanders responded to these concerns by suggesting that addressing such challenges requires collective action, stating, “We have to harness this energy into a movement that demands justice and equality for all. We cannot afford to let our futures be compromised.”

This grassroots approach appears to resonate, as evidenced by young activists alongside older supporters at the rally. While their approaches differ, a common understanding of systemic inequity seems to unite those in attendance. Lobbying for worker rights and progressive reforms remains at the forefront of their agenda.

As the tour continues, experts note the significance of this growing movement as an opportunity for the Democratic Party to reevaluate its stance and relate more closely to its base. Political analyst Jonathan Weiss commented, “What we are witnessing is not just rallies; it is a growing demand for representation and a challenge to the status quo.”

Many political observers are closely monitoring the effectiveness of Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez in bridging divides within the Democratic Party and mobilizing the working class. The “Fighting Oligarchy” rallies signal a potentially pivotal moment for progressive politics in America, advocating for a new direction that prioritizes the needs of the people over corporate interests.