Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez Draw Record Crowd in Los Angeles Rally Against Oligarchy

Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez drew an estimated 36,000 people to Grand Park in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, marking Sanders' largest rally to date. The "Fighting Oligarchy" tour stop served as a powerful display of progressive energy and a condemnation of the Trump administration's policies.

A Show of Force in California

The Los Angeles rally surpassed the previous record of 34,000 attendees set at a similar event in Denver last month. The massive turnout underscores Sanders' enduring popularity and the progressive movement's continued relevance, even amidst challenges in California's political landscape. The crowd stretched from Grand Park onto the steps of City Hall and into the surrounding streets, creating a sea of supporters eager to hear from Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez.

"Fighting Oligarchy" Tour

The "Fighting Oligarchy" tour, a rare move during a nonelection period, is designed as a public condemnation of the Trump administration and its policies. Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, has been a vocal critic of what he sees as the growing influence of billionaires and corporations in American politics. Ocasio-Cortez, a rising star in the Democratic Party, has also been a strong advocate for progressive causes.

Sanders' Message: "Extraordinary Danger"

During his speech, Sanders, clad in a blue button-down shirt and a Dodgers baseball cap, warned that the U.S. is facing a moment of "extraordinary danger," accusing President Trump of moving the country "rapidly toward an authoritarian form of society." He declared, "Mr. Trump, we ain't going there," igniting cheers from the crowd. Sanders also took aim at Elon Musk, another frequent target of the left, criticizing their wealth and influence. "We're living at a moment where a handful of billionaires control the economic and political life of our country," Sanders said.

Musical Performances and Progressive Voices

The hours-long event featured a lineup of progressive elected officials, labor leaders, and musicians. Neil Young, Joan Baez, and singer-songwriter Maggie Rogers performed, adding to the rally's vibrant atmosphere. Democratic Representatives Ro Khanna of California and Pramila Jayapal of Washington state, who previously chaired the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), also spoke at the event.

Implications for California Politics

While the rally demonstrated significant enthusiasm for progressive ideas, the movement faces challenges in California. Despite Sanders' victory in the state's 2020 primary, efforts to enact single-payer healthcare and other sweeping policy priorities have stalled. Some observers note a shift towards the center among prominent California Democrats, including Gov. Gavin Newsom. The Covid-era crime spike led to the ouster of progressive prosecutors in major cities like San Francisco, Oakland, and Los Angeles. A statewide ballot measure to increase penalties for certain drug and theft crimes passed overwhelmingly last year, providing one of the starkest examples of California's rightward shift in 2024.

A Rallying Cry for the Future

Despite these challenges, the Los Angeles rally served as a powerful reminder of the progressive movement's potential. Sanders' ability to draw such a large crowd, even at 83 years old, demonstrates his enduring influence and the resonance of his message. The presence of Ocasio-Cortez and other rising stars suggests that the progressive movement will continue to be a force in American politics for years to come. Sanders himself stated that the large crowd at the rally was making President Trump and Elon Musk "very nervous." He also addressed concerns about enthusiasm, asking the crowd, "Anybody here being paid to come today?" to which he was met with shouts of "no!".

Conclusion

The record-breaking rally in Los Angeles underscores the enduring appeal of Bernie Sanders and the progressive movement. While challenges remain, the event served as a powerful demonstration of grassroots energy and a rallying cry for a more just and equitable society. The "Fighting Oligarchy" tour stop in Los Angeles may prove to be a pivotal moment, galvanizing supporters and setting the stage for future political battles.