By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Sens. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s “Fight the Oligarchy” tour is drawing massive crowds, exceeding previous rally attendance for Sanders even during his presidential campaigns. Rallies in Phoenix and Denver drew 15,000 and 34,000 attendees respectively, with online viewership also in the hundreds of thousands. These events demonstrate significant public engagement, contrasting with low approval ratings for the Democratic Party. The tour targets working-class districts won by Biden in 2020 but carried by Republicans in 2024, aiming to counter the Trump administration’s proposed government cuts.
Read the original article here
Videos of Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) appearing at rallies with massive crowds are generating significant buzz online. The sheer scale of these gatherings is prompting widespread discussion, with many comparing them to events of the past and speculating about their implications. The visual impact of these large crowds is striking, leading to many observations about the potential strength of this movement.
The size of these rallies is being interpreted in various ways. Some see them as a powerful sign of growing support for progressive policies and a rejection of the status quo, hinting at a possible shift within the Democratic Party. The visual impact is undeniably impressive, prompting some to draw parallels to the Tea Party movement, suggesting this could be a similar catalyst for significant political change. There’s a sense of hope and optimism expressed by many commenting, fueled by these large turnouts.
However, there’s also a sense of caution amongst some commentators. Past experiences with large rallies, such as those for Kamala Harris, have shown that crowd size doesn’t always translate directly into electoral success. This skepticism is tempered by a desire to remain hopeful, but highlights the need to avoid drawing overly simplistic conclusions based solely on crowd size. The emphasis on voting is recurring, highlighting the crucial distinction between rally attendance and actual electoral participation.
A recurring theme is the questioning of the obsession with crowd size itself. Many are pointing out the inherent limitations of using this as a reliable indicator of future electoral performance. The argument is made that this focus distracts from the substantive political issues and potential impact of these events. Some dismiss the significance of crowd size altogether, highlighting its inherent flaws as a metric for political strength. The counter-argument is that these rallies represent something more; a visible manifestation of grassroots support.
Furthermore, the rallies are seen by some as a reaction to broader political circumstances. The ongoing economic struggles and perceived failures of existing political systems are cited as major contributing factors. Many view these events as a response to the current climate, expressing the widespread dissatisfaction amongst many with the current political landscape. The critique of the Democratic establishment and its perceived resistance to meaningful reform is central to many of the comments.
The events are being framed as a significant opportunity for the Democratic Party to re-evaluate its strategies and address the concerns of its base. The potential for a realignment within the party is frequently mentioned, along with the need for the Democrats to connect with and engage the working class. There is a clear sense that those involved see this as a chance to influence the direction of the party and push for more progressive policies. The need for the party to move beyond the policies associated with neoliberalism is repeatedly emphasized.
Conversely, a notable aspect of the online conversations is the degree of cynicism and skepticism. Some are doubtful about the long-term impact of these rallies, questioning whether they will translate into real political change. There are concerns about the disconnect between those who attend rallies and those who actually vote. The overall tone, despite the visible enthusiasm, contains a cautious outlook.
Concerns are expressed regarding the potential for these rallies to be undermined or dismissed by the Democratic establishment. There is fear that the party’s leadership might attempt to marginalize or downplay the importance of this movement. There’s a prevalent belief that the establishment would rather see a Republican win than a candidate embodying these progressive ideals. The potential for the party to ignore or suppress this movement is viewed as a significant threat by those posting online.
Finally, the broader political context is highlighted in the comments. The perceived failures of the Democratic Party to address pressing issues and the rise of populist figures are repeatedly mentioned. The influence of figures such as Elon Musk and the impact of misinformation are noted as significant factors shaping the current political environment. The role of billionaires in exacerbating economic inequalities fuels a large part of the anger and frustration visible in the comments. The overall sentiment is a mix of hope, apprehension, and a clear recognition of the political challenges facing both the progressive movement and the Democratic Party.