Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders addressed a massive crowd at Mullett Arena at Arizona State University in Tempe on Wednesday night, delivering a fiery message against what they described as the growing threat of oligarchy in the United States. The event was part of Sanders’ “Fight Oligarchy” tour, a multi-state campaign aimed at mobilizing progressive voters in key battleground states ahead of the 2024 elections.
A Call to Action Against Billionaire Influence
Ocasio-Cortez, known for her outspoken progressive stance, took the stage to thunderous applause, calling on supporters to resist what she called the corporate takeover of American democracy.
“We are here to say that billionaires should not be able to buy our elections. We are here to fight back against the corruption that allows a handful of elites to control our government,” Ocasio-Cortez declared.
She specifically called out former President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, accusing them of using their power and influence to undermine working-class Americans.
“Donald Trump is not a man of the people. He is a man for the wealthy, for corporate greed, for those who exploit the system,” she said. “And let’s be clear. Elon Musk is not some genius entrepreneur looking out for the little guy. He is yet another billionaire trying to control the narrative and dictate the future in his own interests.”
The congresswoman emphasized that progressive movements must organize and mobilize to counteract the growing influence of wealth in politics, urging young voters in particular to participate in upcoming elections.
Bernie Sanders’ Fiery Rebuke of Oligarchy
Senator Sanders followed Ocasio-Cortez with a speech that echoed his long-standing critique of economic inequality and corporate dominance. His message was clear. The fight for democracy is a fight against billionaires who seek to control the political system.
“Our fight is to make sure we remain a democracy. One person, one vote. Not billionaires buying elections,” Sanders declared to roaring applause.
He pointed to the actions of major corporations, accusing them of rigging the economy against workers.
“You want to know why we’re here? We’re here because the working and middle class of this country are being ripped off. CEOs are making record profits while ordinary Americans struggle to afford rent, healthcare, and education. The fossil fuel industry, the drug companies, the insurance giants. They are the real threats to democracy,” Sanders said.
The Vermont senator has made fighting economic inequality the cornerstone of his political career, and this tour represents his latest effort to push the Democratic Party further left on issues like taxation, healthcare, and corporate accountability.
The “Fight Oligarchy” Tour Mobilizing Progressives in Key States
The rally in Tempe marked the fourth stop on Sanders’ “Fight Oligarchy” tour, which has already drawn significant crowds in battleground states.
-
Las Vegas, Nevada Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez addressed a crowd in Nevada, highlighting the need for a living wage, Medicare for All, and an end to corporate tax loopholes that allow billionaires to avoid paying their fair share.
-
Upcoming Stops The tour will continue in Greeley and Denver, Colorado, where Sanders and his allies will push for economic and political reforms aimed at reducing the influence of corporate money in elections.
The Battle for Arizona A Crucial Swing State
Arizona has emerged as one of the most hotly contested battlegrounds in the upcoming elections. With a rapidly diversifying electorate and a growing base of young and Latino voters, the state is seen as a critical test for progressive messaging.
In 2020, President Joe Biden narrowly won Arizona, flipping the state blue for the first time in a presidential election since 1996. However, with Trump expected to campaign heavily in the state and Republican-backed efforts to tighten voting laws, the fight for Arizona remains fierce.
Progressive leaders, including Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders, believe that appealing to young voters and marginalized communities will be key to securing Democratic victories in both state and national races.
Ocasio-Cortez Criticizes Democratic Inaction
While much of the rally focused on attacking Trump and corporate elites, Ocasio-Cortez also took aim at the Democratic establishment, accusing party leaders of failing to take bold action on key issues.
“It is not enough to simply be ‘better than Trump.’ We need to be fighting for something real. Medicare for All, student debt cancellation, climate action, and a fair economy,” she asserted.
Her comments come amid growing frustration among progressives over what they see as the Democratic Party’s reluctance to fully embrace policies that directly challenge corporate power.
Republican Response and Conservative Backlash
Unsurprisingly, the rally drew criticism from Republican leaders, who dismissed the “Fight Oligarchy” tour as a left-wing publicity stunt.
Arizona Republican Party Chair Jeff DeWit accused Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez of pushing “socialist policies that would destroy Arizona’s economy.”
“Arizona voters will not be fooled by extreme policies that would raise taxes, kill jobs, and drive businesses out of our state,” DeWit said in a statement.
Conservative commentators also took aim at Ocasio-Cortez’s remarks about Musk, defending the billionaire as an innovator who has created jobs and contributed to technological advancement.
A Defining Moment for Progressives
As Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez continue their tour, their message is clear. This is a battle between the people and the powerful. The “Fight Oligarchy” campaign seeks to harness grassroots energy to push for systemic change, rallying progressives behind policies that prioritize workers, healthcare, and economic fairness.
With Arizona and other battleground states poised to play a decisive role in the upcoming elections, the impact of this movement and whether it can translate into electoral success remains to be seen. However, if the massive turnout in Tempe is any indication, the fight against oligarchy is far from over.
The post AOC and Bernie Sanders Take on Trump, Musk, and Corporate Elites in Explosive Arizona Rally appeared first on Where Is The Buzz | Breaking News, Entertainment, Exclusive Interviews & More.
