The political performance duo revered by the extreme left, hopes to channel the pervasive anti-Trump sentiment and the dissatisfaction among timid Democrats. Leftists are becoming increasingly irate, often instinctively directing their indignation towards the likes of President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. However, disillusionment with the Democratic Party is not merely isolated to moderate liberals. This was evident at the recent ‘Battle Against the Oligarchy’ rally in downtown Los Angeles where an estimated 36,000 attendees witnessed the ideological tirade of Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, both New York residents, against perceived indifference among Democrats. As Ocasio-Cortez brazenly claimed, ‘This isn’t merely about the Republican attacks on working-class people, we need a Democratic Party that fights harder for us too.’
It seems that Sanders and AOC have made it onto the extended roster of irate liberal politicians with a growing distaste for the perceived apathy within their ranks. In fact, they are leading the charge of disillusioned Democrats who are not willing to take it anymore. Weeks away from the midterm elections, Sanders and AOC are relentlessly traveling the country, attempting to transform their anger into potentially effective populism. Their tour took them to various states, and the ‘Battle Against the Oligarchy’ tour can best be compared to Sanders’s initial presidential campaign, where he projected himself as an idealist rising against the alleged overt authoritarianism.
For them, the true call to arms necessitates an open defiance of Trump and Musk, while recognizing that numerous influential Democrats are complicit in the system that helped Trump reach the Oval Office. They propose that the solution entails offering discontented voters a social platform to vent their rage and feel less impotent. The rallying event was Sanders’s biggest in his political career, according to his spokesperson, even more so than his presidential campaign gatherings in past years. One key emotion that was palpable was anger, revealingly not witnessed in Kamala Harris’s unsuccessful running for office against Trump previously.
Harris, a resident of the posh Brentwood neighborhood, wasn’t anywhere to be seen during the rally. Rumors have swirled about her considering a gubernatorial bid in California, but on the occasion of the rally, she was conspicuously absent. Noticeable by his absence too was ex-President Joe Biden. Also worth mentioning is that some activists had put up a questionable poster showcasing Trump, a reminder of the Democratic Party’s polarizing sentiments among its constituents.
Sanders, now an octogenarian, has spent much of his political career vociferating against wealthy elites. Now, perhaps more than ever, his rhetoric seems to be resonating with his supporters. The ‘Battle Against Oligarchy’ road show possesses the trademark of a presidential campaign. However, Saturday’s event seemed like it was orchestrated similar to a music festival. Rather than waxing nostalgic about a non-existent golden age, the primary theme of the day revolved around fighting for America’s democratic future, while repulsing autocracy.
Ocasio-Cortez, currently in her mid-thirties, came into the political arena originally as a part of Sanders’s initial bid for the presidency. Now, in her role as his partner on the ‘Battle Against the Oligarchy’ tour, AOC has her own cult following as well. A silence fell upon the crowd as she spoke in her characteristic fervor, with one of the audience members adorned in an imitation of her controversial Met Gala gown emblazoned with the phrase ‘TAX THE RICH’.
Echoing Sanders, the representative heavily pivoted towards populism. ‘It will always be the people, the masses, who refuse to comply with authoritarian regimes, who are the last and strongest defense against encroachment on our freedom,’ she declared. It is widely believed that Bernie Sanders, an independent who collaborates with Democrats, connects deeply with grassroots supporters as they trust his sincerity and constancy. He’s one of the few leaders willing to step into the void of opposition.
Sanders boldly claimed to the crowd, ‘Your presence here today is making Donald Trump and Elon Musk very nervous.’ In a fit of sarcasm, he mocked the richest Americans – Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg, whose accumulated wealth exceeds that of the lowest half of the society, totaling nearly 170 million people. ‘When we talk about the oligarchy, we’re not merely referring to economics. It’s not just Musk, Bezos, Zuckerberg, and Republicans. It’s the Democrat Party too. Their billionaires tell their candidates not to challenge powerful special interests and sadly, many Democrats heed their advice.’
The political careers of Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez may be at opposite ends, but their united front holds appeal for their base. Sanders might be nearing the end of his career, but AOC is seemingly entering her prime. There are already whispers of the left hoping she mounts a bid for the presidential campaign. Their unified message underscores a pertinent issue; people crave an outlet for their resentment, which Trump successfully harnessed in previous election cycles.
They seek leaders who don’t mince their words and aren’t afraid of making charged statements. ‘Donald Trump is a criminal,’ Ocasio-Cortez bluntly declared, perfectly encapsulating their dramatic and unabashed strategy to appeal to the growing discontent among Democrats.