In a powerful display of grassroots mobilization, Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez drew thousands of people to their recent 'Fighting the Oligarchy' tour in Colorado and Arizona. The events, which took place on March 21, 2025, were not just rallying cries but a movement. Over 10,000 supporters gathered at the Bank of Colorado Arena in Greeley, and more than 30,000 filled Denver's Civic Center Park later that day, setting a new record for Sanders' rallies. In Tucson, Arizona, about 20,000 people came to the Catalina High School Football Stadium, demonstrating the tour's deep resonance.
The rallies centered on tackling wealth inequality and the disturbing sway billionaires like Elon Musk hold over political decisions. Sanders did not mince words. He linked the growing influence of the extremely wealthy to the cutbacks in federal programs, posing a striking question: 'Why is it that the rich get richer while working-class people face shorter lifespans?' This question highlighted the systemic issues placing an undue burden on regular folks. Sanders rallied the crowd around the idea of the 99% standing up against the 1%, asserting, 'We will not allow America to become an oligarchy.'
Ocasio-Cortez took to the stage with fervor, explicitly calling out Republican Representative Gabe Evans for his lack of engagement with his constituents. The Denver crowd echoed this sentiment with their boos, revealing a widespread dissatisfaction with representatives deemed out of touch. Her message was clear: it’s time for voters to elect leaders who will fight tooth and nail for the working class.
Personal stories from attendees added a human element to the rallies. Ryan Patnaude, an atmospheric scientist facing job uncertainty due to cuts in National Science Foundation funding, and Ariana Cisneros, a disability services worker frustrated by sparse federal support, shared how political policies negatively impacted their lives. These stories illustrated the far-reaching effects of government decisions on everyday Americans.
The rallies were strategically placed in vulnerable Republican-held districts, amplifying their political significance. In Tucson, Ocasio-Cortez memorialized the late Representative Raúl Grijalva, emphasizing the need to elect progressives who genuinely represent local interests. A Tucson resident, Natalie Callahan, voiced her frustration with the Democratic Party's passive approach to recent political losses, stressing the urgency for community-driven political action.
Sanders painted the tour as a call to action against the threat of oligarchic rule. He warned of the dangers if billionaires like Musk and Trump were allowed to continue influencing policies that harm public welfare programs, like healthcare and Social Security. The rallies weren't just about airing grievances; they underscored a potent desire for systemic change through both electoral processes and grassroots efforts. As the crowd's energy showed, there is a growing movement ready to combat the oligarchic tendencies in the nation's political landscape.
