On Friday evening, an estimated 34,000 people gathered at Civic Center Park in Denver to hear from prominent progressive figures, Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York. The duo delivered powerful speeches promoting a range of progressive policies aimed at combating economic inequality and pushing back against what they described as the influence of oligarchs in American politics. Later that night, they addressed a crowd of approximately 11,000 attendees at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley as part of their Fighting Oligarchy Tour.
During the rallies, Sanders posed a critical question to the American people: are they ready to stand up against Trumpism and the growing power of billionaires in politics? The crowd responded with cheers and applause, signaling a strong support for the progressive agenda. This tour aims to mobilize citizens against the perceived dominance of wealthy individuals over the political landscape. “Musk is not our Congress. Act lawfully, not awfully,” stated Nancy Larsen, a passionate attendee who expressed concerns about the federal government prioritizing corporate interests over the needs of ordinary Americans.
Larsen's sentiments echoed a widespread feeling among the crowd, with attendees voicing their frustrations about a system that seems to favor the wealthy at the expense of the disadvantaged. “I feel like we're in kind of a reverse Robin Hood situation right now, where we're taking from the poor and disadvantaged and giving more money to the rich,” she added, highlighting a key aspect of the progressive message.
Among the attendees were parents of Girl Scouts, Nina and Indie, who viewed the rally as an essential educational opportunity for their children. “We like them to be aware of what's happening in the world,” said their mother, Jennifer Walters. This sentiment was shared by many, as the crowd also rallied behind union leaders representing various sectors, including construction, grocery, and education, illustrating a collective frustration over economic inequality.
Chris Martinez, another rally attendee, emphasized that the issues at hand affect all Americans, regardless of their political affiliation. “Republicans, Democrats -- all Americans are feeling this,” he remarked, showcasing the unifying nature of the progressive fight against economic disparity.
While Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez received enthusiastic support from the crowd, they also faced criticism from some Republican leaders in Colorado. A spokeswoman for Republican Rep. Gabe Evans, who represents the Greeley area, stated that he is focused on “lower costs, safer communities, and making the American Dream possible for all Coloradans.” This response was framed as a contrast to the “extreme, anti-oil and gas rhetoric” attributed to Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez.
Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert also weighed in, asserting that if Democrats want to invite “avowed socialists” to discuss their Green New Deal proposals, it reflects poorly on their commitment to Colorado's oil and gas industry. She emphasized that the differences between the progressive leaders and Republicans like Gabe Evans, who advocate for energy producers and small business owners, couldn't be clearer.
Despite the criticism, Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders remained steadfast in their commitment to advocating for a nation where all Americans can thrive. “The world is watching,” Sanders declared, reiterating the importance of the ongoing struggle against economic inequality and corporate influence in politics. As the Fighting Oligarchy Tour continues, these progressive leaders aim to inspire and mobilize citizens for a more equitable future.
