Sanders, AOC Rally Democrats on ‘Fighting Oligarchy’ Tour/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez launched the western leg of their “Fighting Oligarchy” tour with fiery rallies in Nevada and Arizona. The progressive lawmakers criticized Trump—and called on Democrats to fight harder for working-class voters. Amid mounting party frustration, calls grew for AOC to challenge Sen. Chuck Schumer in 2028.
Sanders, AOC Call for Stronger Democrats – Quick Look
- Tour Name: “Fighting Oligarchy”
- Kickoff Cities: Las Vegas, NV and Tempe, AZ
- Main Message: Democrats must stand stronger against Trump’s agenda
- AOC Quote: “We need a Democratic Party that fights harder.”
- Crowd Reaction: “Primary Chuck” chants directed at Sen. Schumer
- Turnout: Over 51,000 expected across multiple western states
- Next Stops: Denver, Greeley (CO), Tucson (AZ)
- Focus: Working-class advocacy, economic inequality, grassroots organizing
- Speculation: AOC 2028 buzz builds amid party dissatisfaction
Deep Look – Sanders and AOC Demand a Tougher Democratic Party in West Coast Swing
LAS VEGAS, March 20, 2025 — Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez delivered a forceful message to the Democratic base Thursday: If the party wants to beat Donald Trump, it needs to fight harder for working people—and stop compromising with MAGA extremism.
Kicking off the western leg of their “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, the two progressive lawmakers drew energized crowds in Las Vegas and Tempe, Arizona, blending critiques of Trump with pointed jabs at their own party leadership.
“This isn’t just about Republicans,” Ocasio-Cortez said at Craig Ranch Amphitheater. “We need a Democratic Party that fights harder for us, too.”
Though AOC stopped short of naming names, chants of “Primary Chuck” erupted—targeting Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who infuriated many progressives last week by supporting Trump’s spending bill to avert a government shutdown.
Broadening the Progressive Tent
Sanders and AOC sought to expand their populist appeal, especially in battleground states like Nevada and Arizona, focusing on wealth inequality, labor rights, and the erosion of democratic norms under Trump.
“We will not accept an authoritarian society,” Sanders declared. “And we will not accept massive economic inequality while working families suffer.”
They also acknowledged divisions within the left but encouraged unity around working-class values.
“You are welcome here, even if you disagree with me,” AOC told the Arizona crowd. “If you’re willing to fight for someone you don’t know, this movement is for you.”
Democratic Frustration, Grassroots Momentum
The tour comes amid a wave of Democratic voter dissatisfaction, with many criticizing the party’s passive response to Trump’s Cabinet, Elon Musk’s DOGE-led layoffs, and cuts to federal programs.
A recent NBC News poll found nearly two-thirds of Democrats want lawmakers to stick to their principles, even at the cost of bipartisan compromise.
That sentiment echoed at AOC and Sanders’ events.
“We should have shut the government down,” said Marc Borzcon, 55, of Chandler, AZ. “That was the only way to stand up to Trump.”
Leadership Tensions and 2028 Buzz
Ocasio-Cortez’s name is being floated for higher office—possibly even a primary challenge to Schumer in 2028. Some progressives also see her as a future presidential contender.
Rep. Ro Khanna publicly encouraged her to run against Schumer. Other House Democrats reportedly echoed the call at a recent retreat.
Outside the Las Vegas venue, “AOC 2028” pins and T-shirts were selling fast—hinting at the movement’s rising grassroots appeal.
Rallying the Base for 2025 and Beyond
Sanders, who began the “Fighting Oligarchy” tour last month with events in Iowa and Nebraska, said his goal is to pressure swing-district Republicans to reject further cuts to housing, education, and entitlement programs.
“The rich have never had it better,” Sanders said. “Meanwhile, the people who make this country work are getting crushed.”
The pair will continue their tour in Colorado and Arizona, hoping to mobilize tens of thousands more in what they call a movement to reclaim democracy from corporate elites.
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