Staff Reports
Senator Bernie Sanders held a rally recently that could be described as both a spectacle and a pity party. Dubbed the “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, this particular event took place in Los Angeles, where an assortment of politically confused attendees, complete with union representatives and musicians, gathered for what Sanders believes is a crusade against the wealthy. In his latest performance, Bernie claimed that his rally was sending shivers down the spines of Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Either that, or they were just trying to be polite in ignoring the octogenarian from Vermont who has never been shy about his affinity for socialism.
The self-proclaimed “democratic socialist” took the stage to address what he views as the systemic injustices propagated by the current administration. Sanders has clearly tapped into a vein of indignation, as he highlighted how billionaires like Musk and Trump are supposed to be jeopardizing the common man. It’s ironic that the senator, who has spent decades railing against capitalism, is turning to entertainers like folk rock legend Neil Young to incite crowds into chants that include slogans about reclaiming America. Who knew politics could be so musical?
https://twitter.com/BernieSanders/status/1911191835189645393
During his passionate tirade, Sanders drew from a litany of grievances that have become all too familiar. The senator railed against supposed threats to healthcare and research funding, conveniently overlooking the fact that his own policies could lead to complete government takeovers that stifle innovation and choice. Nothing says “pro-healthcare” quite like pushing for a one-size-fits-all system that has historically resulted in longer wait times and poorer outcomes. Yet, it seems the crowd was more interested in the spectacle of being part of an anti-establishment collective rather than diving into the nuances of policy.
Musk, for his part, took the brunt of the boos from the crowd, personifying the very economic success that Sanders and his followers love to despise. It’s a curious situation when a billionaire, who has pioneered advancements in electric vehicles and space travel, is targeted by a man who’s never created a job in his life, and instead, has spent much of his time in government. The people attending this rally might want to consider the irony of jeering at a businessman who is doing more for the economy than any government program ever could.
The “Fighting Oligarchy” tour may have drawn over a hundred thousand attendees across the states, but it’s hard to escape the feeling that this is less about actual political change and more about creating a celebrity-like status for Sanders among the like-minded. With follow-up rallies planned in conservative areas, it’s a puzzler why he decided to swing through Los Angeles, where the majority of his followers already understand that steadfast socialism hasn’t truly improved their lives, but rather has become an entertaining sideshow. As the event concluded, it was clear that, no matter the audience size, this rally was more about theatricality than substance.
