Sen. Bernie Sanders, the independent firebrand from Vermont, is stirring the political pot with a bold message: the two main political parties in America are letting down the working class. In a recent appearance on NBC, Sanders made it clear that Democrats “lack a vision for the future” and, alongside Republicans, are “failing the working class.” Yet, he firmly rejected any suggestion that he’s aiming to launch a third party, instead focusing on invigorating American democracy.
A Call for Political Engagement
Sanders, joined by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., has been crisscrossing the nation on their “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, rallying thousands to rethink the political landscape. From Arizona to California, their events have drawn massive crowds—36,000 in Los Angeles, 34,000 in Colorado, and 30,000 in Folsom, California. Their mission? To inspire a new wave of candidates, whether they run as Democrats or independents, to dive into the political fray.
“We’re not trying to start a third party. What we are trying to do is strengthen American Democracy where faith in both the Democratic and Republican Parties is extremely low,” Sanders told NBC’s Meet the Press host Kristen Welker. “You want to run as a Democrat? Great. You want to run as an independent? That’s great, but you’ve got to get involved in the political process.”
Facing Criticism Head-On
The tour hasn’t been without controversy. Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez, both vocal critics of wealth and privilege, faced backlash after being spotted boarding a private jet in Sacramento on April 17, a luxury ride costing $15,000 an hour. The optics of self-proclaimed Democratic Socialists jetting between rallies sparked criticism, with some questioning the alignment of their actions with their message.
Another point of contention came from Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., who urged the duo to drop the term “oligarchy,” arguing it only resonates with coastal elites. Sanders didn’t hold back in his response. “I think the American people are not quite as dumb as Miss Slotkin thinks they are,” he shot back, pointing to the diverse crowds at their rallies. “When big money interests are able to control both political parties, they are living in an oligarchy, and these are precisely the issues that have got to be talked about.”
A Struggling Democratic Brand
Sanders’ critique of the Democratic Party comes at a precarious moment. An April Fox News poll revealed that the party’s favorability is at an all-time low, with just 41% of respondents viewing it positively compared to 56% with a negative opinion, resulting in a net rating of negative 15%.
Despite this, Democrats still hold an edge over Republicans in predictions for the upcoming midterm elections, suggesting voters may be frustrated but not entirely ready to abandon the party.
A Vision for Change
At the heart of Sanders’ message is a demand for a political system that serves the working class, not just the wealthy. His rallies with Ocasio-Cortez are more than just events—they’re a call to action, urging everyday Americans to challenge the status quo.
By encouraging independent candidacies and rejecting the constraints of the two-party system, Sanders is betting that a groundswell of grassroots involvement can reshape the nation’s future.
As the “Fighting Oligarchy” tour continues to pack venues and spark debate, one thing is clear: Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez are determined to continue these rallies until they believe their work is done. Whether the rallies actually have a lasting impact remains to be seen.
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