Bernie Sanders rallies 36,000 supporters in Los Angeles against oligarchy

In the United States, on Saturday, a significant political rally took place in downtown Los Angeles as part of Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's 'Fighting Oligarchy' tour. The event attracted an estimated 36,000 supporters, demonstrating strong public interest in their campaign against economic inequality. During the rally, Sanders highlighted the influence of billionaires, including President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, on the nation's political and economic landscape, arguing that the country is currently facing oligarchic conditions. He pointed out Musk's previous remarks that suggested attendees were merely paid organizers, to which the crowd responded by shouting that they were not compensated for their support. The rally aimed to address various economic issues, particularly in light of ongoing concerns about presidential tariffs impacting everyday Americans. Ocasio-Cortez used her platform to criticize Trump's handling of economic policies, arguing that his actions benefit wealthy individuals while harming the average citizen. She emphasized the need for Congress to crack down on insider trading, reiterating that the financial markets have been manipulated for the gain of a few, at the expense of the broader population. Moreover, both Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez's messages resonated with the rising frustrations regarding wealth concentration in the hands of a small elite, as many citizens feel disenfranchised in political and economic discussions. Their tour has already included several cities, reflecting a concerted effort to reach out to a wide audience and energize supporters who are disillusioned with the current political landscape. As they plan additional rallies in multiple locations, their campaign remains focused on raising awareness about the urgent need for reform in both economic policy and corporate influence in government. As Sanders prepared to speak later at the Coachella music festival, the political climate features two starkly contrasting narratives: one from conservative commentators, who have been critical of the turnout at these progressive rallies, and another from the rallygoers themselves, who mobilize around the ideals of social justice and economic fairness. This juxtaposition underscores the increasing polarization in American society as the leadership shifts into the 2024 election cycles, where rhetoric about oligarchy versus democracy will likely dominate discussions throughout the year.