U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders continues to gain traction with his Fighting Oligarchy Tour, attracting impressive crowds even in traditionally conservative states. A recent video released by Sanders showcases the growing grassroots movement opposing the influence of billionaires in politics, including notable figures like President Donald Trump and Elon Musk.

Massive Turnout at Recent Rallies

Despite Donald Trump’s significant support in some areas, the tour has attracted large crowds, including an estimated 36,000 attendees at a Los Angeles rally last Saturday. The Senator emphasized the scare these demonstrations instill in Trump and Musk, stating, “When Donald Trump looks out at this crowd—and they pay attention to this stuff, and Elon Musk does—you are scaring the hell out of them.”

Subsequent events saw significant participation, with over 20,000 attendees in deep-red Utah and 12,000 in Nampa, Idaho, affirming the broad appeal of socio-political reforms proposed during the tour.

Controversies and Key Messages

During the rally in Idaho, supporters of Palestinian rights were removed after displaying a flag, prompting Sanders to reinforce his nuanced stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict. He stated, “Israel has the right to defend itself” but strongly criticized the concept of an all-out war against the Palestinian population.

In a direct response to Trump’s claims of smaller crowd sizes, Sanders expressed confidence in the movement’s support: “He lied. There are people half a mile away!” The rally’s spirit illustrates a growing discontent among the populace towards the concentration of wealth and power.

Addressing Economic Inequality

The video’s narration also highlighted ongoing tensions with Musk, referencing his attempts to downplay the grassroots movement. Musk has alleged that the rallies are filled with “paid protesters,” a claim Sanders dismissed. “I invite the president to come to LA. Tell the people here why you think it’s a great idea to cut Medicaid and nutrition and healthcare, so you can give tax breaks to billionaires,” Sanders challenged.

Reflecting on the socio-economic divide, Sanders remarked, “Musk and his friends see you as nothing more than workers to be disposed of.” He further reiterated his belief that the majority of Americans do not align with oligarchic control, stating, “They are the 1%, we are the 99%…but they don’t own us!”

Next Steps in the Tour and Public Sentiment

As the Fighting Oligarchy Tour continues, additional rallies are scheduled, including one in Bakersfield, California, and later in Folsom, California. Polling data from Harvard’s Center for American Political Studies and Harris indicates strong support among Democratic voters for more aggressive opposition to Trump, with 72% favoring politicians who challenge the existing power dynamics.

Sanders concluded with a call to action: “We’re gonna have to fight them door to door, workplace to workplace, school to school…the people of this country do not want oligarchy, they do not want authoritarianism, and they want a government that works for all of us, not just the 1%.”