In what he characterized as his largest rally ever, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont, addressed an enthusiastic crowd at Denver's Civic Center on Friday evening. The rally was marked by passionate chants and nods of agreement from attendees as Sanders delivered a fervent speech criticizing billionaires and former President Donald Trump. "We will not allow America to become an oligarchy," he declared, prompting cheers from the crowd. "This nation was built by working people, and we are not going to let a handful of billionaires run the government."
Joined by U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat from New York, Sanders' rally was part of their ongoing "Fighting Oligarchy" tour. This tour aims to gather early support for Democrats as they prepare for the upcoming midterm elections in 2026. "An extreme concentration of power and corruption is taking over this country like never before," Ocasio-Cortez stated emphatically. "A better world is possible."
Addressing the crowd, Ocasio-Cortez, who estimated attendance at around 30,000 people, praised Colorado's Democratic congressional members. "We need a Democratic Party that fights harder for us, too," she urged. "That means communities choosing and voting for Democrats and elected officials who stand for the working class." Her remarks were met with applause and enthusiasm from the audience.
During her address, Ocasio-Cortez also took the opportunity to criticize Republican Rep. Gabe Evans, who narrowly defeated Democrat Yadira Caraveo in the previous election for Colorado’s 8th Congressional District. The focus of Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez has been on areas represented by Republicans that have the potential to swing toward Democrats in future elections. Earlier that day, they held a rally in Greeley, which is part of Evans’ district and is expected to be a major battleground as Democrats aim to regain seats in Congress. Approximately 11,000 people attended this earlier event, according to Colorado Public Radio.
In response to the rally, Congressman Evans issued a statement criticizing Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez for their policies, particularly their stance against the oil and gas industry. "Congressman Evans is fighting for lower costs, safer communities, and making the American Dream possible for all Coloradans," the statement read. "His common-sense approach stands in stark contrast to AOC and Bernie Sanders’ extreme anti-oil-and-gas rhetoric."
Senator Sanders, who previously campaigned in Denver during his bid for the Democratic nomination for president, reiterated his longstanding themes of health care reform, Social Security support, and the influence of the wealthiest Americans. "What I think is the worst addiction in this country, the most dangerous, is the greed of the oligarchs," he asserted. "How much money do you need?"
Throughout their tour, Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez have visited various cities, including Las Vegas and Omaha, with Tucson next on their itinerary. The Denver rally featured not only the two prominent politicians but also included speeches from union leaders and the former commissioner for the Federal Trade Commission, Alvaro Bedoya, who was recently dismissed by President Trump.
The rally maintained a peaceful atmosphere, with supporters watching from rooftops, the steps of the Denver City and County building, and beyond the gated perimeter of the event. Attendees frequently chanted Sanders' and Ocasio-Cortez's names, as well as slogans like "tax the rich." The speakers and crowd expressed their frustrations not only with Republican members of Congress but also with certain Democrats. The crowd erupted in cheers when Jimmy Williams, general president of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, delivered a poignant message to the Democratic Party: "Get off your ass."
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