By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will hold a “Fighting Oligarchy” town hall in Denver’s Civic Center Park on March 21st at 5 p.m. This event, part of a national tour drawing thousands, addresses widespread public discontent with Washington and criticizes the influence of billionaires on government. Sanders specifically cites Elon Musk and his alignment with efforts to shrink the federal government as a key example. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP online.
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Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are teaming up for a series of rallies across the country, kicking off in Denver on March 21st. This Denver event, held at Civic Center Park, is part of their “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, a direct challenge to the influence of powerful figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk. The rally aims to energize progressive voters and reignite the fight against what they see as unchecked corporate power and wealth inequality.
The choice of Denver as a starting point is significant. Colorado, while leaning Democratic in recent years, also has pockets of conservative sentiment, making it a potentially influential location to gauge public response to this initiative. The rally’s timing, just over a year from the next presidential election, suggests a deliberate strategy to build momentum and establish a platform for progressive voices ahead of the campaign season. The event’s focus isn’t simply on criticizing Trump and Musk; it’s a broader call to action against the perceived concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few.
The collaboration between Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez is especially noteworthy. Sanders, a long-time champion of progressive causes, brings decades of experience and a loyal following to the tour. Ocasio-Cortez, a rising star in the Democratic party, adds a younger, more contemporary perspective to the message, broadening its appeal to a wider demographic. This pairing signifies a concerted effort to unite different generations of progressives under a common banner.
The tour’s broader goal appears to be more than just holding rallies. It appears to be an attempt to re-energize a progressive base that may have felt disillusioned following recent electoral outcomes. It’s a push to demonstrate that the fight for economic justice and against political corruption is far from over. The tour might be seen as a proactive measure to counteract the perceived inertia within the Democratic party, suggesting that some within the party believe a more assertive approach is needed.
The “Fighting Oligarchy” tour seems strategically timed to coincide with various local, state, and national election cycles. While the main focus is seemingly on a national level, the events may also be used to boost local candidates and build stronger grassroots networks at the state and local level. By engaging directly with voters in diverse communities, the tour aims to create a ripple effect, inspiring activism and promoting broader political participation. Many are questioning whether this tour is simply symbolic or whether it is part of a larger strategic plan to effect meaningful change.
The decision to hold rallies in various locations, including both Democratic-leaning and Republican-leaning areas, reflects an attempt to appeal to a wider audience than just those already sympathetic to their message. This tactic suggests a desire to broaden the base of support beyond the usual progressive strongholds and reach voters who might be receptive to their message but haven’t previously been actively engaged in progressive politics. The tour’s organizers are likely aware that reaching beyond their existing base is crucial for building a truly impactful movement.
However, the effectiveness of such rallies remains a topic of debate. While they can undoubtedly generate enthusiasm and raise awareness, skeptics question whether they will translate into concrete policy changes. Some argue that the tour might ultimately be more symbolic than substantive, serving as a platform for expressing frustration rather than enacting tangible change. Others contend that the tour represents a necessary step in building momentum and pressure, laying the groundwork for future action.
Another point of discussion is the potential for a party schism. The stark contrast between the progressive platform of Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez and the perceived more moderate approach of the broader Democratic party raises questions about the future of the party and the possibility of a progressive splinter group. The success of the “Fighting Oligarchy” tour and the level of response it generates could significantly impact the political landscape and potentially influence the dynamics within the Democratic party going into the next election cycle. The future will tell if these rallies will be impactful enough to significantly shift the political climate.