On a recent Friday evening, more than 34,000 attendees gathered at Civic Center Park in Denver, Colorado, for a significant rally headlined by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY). This event marks the largest gathering both politicians have held, showcasing growing public engagement in response to perceived threats from oligarchy and authoritarianism.

Growing Support and Unifying Message

Following a record-breaking turnout at a prior “Fighting Oligarchy” event in Tempe, Arizona, Sen. Sanders expressed on social media that the impressive attendance signalizes that the American public will stand firm against attempts to shift the nation towards oligarchic governance. “We will fight back. We will win,” he declared.

Earlier in his political career, Sanders’ largest rally occurred in Brooklyn during his 2016 presidential bid, underscoring the momentum he and Ocasio-Cortez have garnered in recent months. Ocasio-Cortez noted on social media that “something special is happening… Working people are ready to stand together and fight for our democracy.”

Key Themes of the Rally

Both lawmakers reiterated themes from their previous Arizona engagements. Sanders highlighted the resistance against a society dominated by the ultra-wealthy, stating, “The American people are saying loud and clear, we will not accept an oligarchic form of society.” He criticized tax policies favoring the richest 1%, which he believes undermine crucial social services such as Social Security and education.

Ocasio-Cortez addressed the importance of community connection, remarking, “If you don’t know your neighbor, it’s easier to turn on them.” She emphasized that misinformation and social media disconnect could misrepresent friends as foes.

Fighting Oligarchy Tour and Community Engagement

Sanders initiated the “Fighting Oligarchy: Where We Go From Here” tour in February to discuss the influence of billionaires and corporations on the U.S. government and the drift towards authoritarianism. These events have coincided with rising concerns among constituents regarding actions taken by the Trump administration.

Earlier that day, the two also addressed a crowd of over 11,000 in Greeley, Colorado, aiming to connect even with constituents represented by Republican Gabe Evans. Notably, reports indicate that many attendees were not traditional supporters of Sanders, reflecting a diverse coalition of interests.

Broader Implications and Future Resistance

Political commentators note that Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez are positioning themselves as pivotal figures not only for progressive ideals but also for the mainstream Democratic Party. Eric Blanc, an assistant professor at Rutgers University, remarked that the current anti-Trump resistance, grounded more in economic concerns and labor advocacy, has the potential to resonate deeply with working-class Americans. “This has enabled anti-corporate forces to set the tenor of Resistance 2.0,” Blanc explained.

As the political landscape evolves, the collaboration between Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez represents a crucial effort to engage citizens in discussions about democracy, economic fairness, and community solidarity.