On Friday evening, Denver’s Civic Center Park became the epicenter of a powerful call for political revolution as an estimated 34,000 people gathered to hear Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York. The rally, part of their nationwide "Fighting Oligarchy Tour," was a passionate plea to combat growing inequality, corporate overreach, and the influence of billionaires in American politics. Just hours after igniting Denver, the pair addressed an additional 11,000 supporters at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, underscoring the grassroots enthusiasm for sweeping progressive reform.
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| Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) speaks during a rally on March 21, 2025 at Civic Center Park in Denver, Colorado. Sanders, right, and Ocasio-Cortez are holding a series of rallies they are calling the "Fighting Oligarchy Tour." |
Senator Sanders, standing on a stage backed by banners reading "People Over Profits" and "End Corporate Greed," energized the roaring crowd with a fiery speech. "They want to know if the people of America will stand up to Trumpism and the power of oligarchy," Sanders declared, drawing thunderous applause. His remarks emphasized that the stakes are higher than ever — warning that the unchecked influence of billionaires is threatening democracy itself. The Vermont senator also called out tech giants and oil companies for what he described as manipulating government policy for profit while ignoring the plight of working-class Americans.
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| Nancy Larsen reads the sign she made for a rally hosted by Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in Denver on Friday, March 21, 2025. |
Representative Ocasio-Cortez followed, delivering her own forceful address. She stressed that the fight transcends party lines. "This is not just about Republicans," she told the energized crowd. "We need Democrats to stop negotiating away the needs of everyday people." Her speech directly called out Democrats in Congress who, she argued, have been too quick to compromise with corporate interests. The congresswoman called for comprehensive climate action, affordable healthcare for all, and a complete overhaul of the tax system to ensure billionaires and corporations pay their fair share.
Attendees carried homemade signs with slogans such as "Tax the Rich," "Workers Deserve Better," and "Climate Justice Now." One attendee, Nancy Larsen, held up a sign that read, "Musk Is Not Our Congress — Act Lawfully, Not Awfully," voicing widespread frustration with corporate influence in policymaking. "I feel like we're in a reverse Robin Hood situation," Larsen told reporters. "We’re taking from the poor and disadvantaged and giving more money to the rich."
The event wasn’t just an adult gathering; families were present too. Jennifer Walters, who brought her daughters Nina and Indie to the rally, said, "We want them to be aware of what's happening in the world. They need to understand how politics affects their future." Her sentiment was echoed by many parents who viewed the rally as both a call to action and a teaching moment for the next generation.
Union leaders representing construction workers, grocery store employees, educators, and service workers also took the stage, drawing loud cheers from the crowd. Chris Martinez, a teacher and union member who attended the rally, said, "Republicans, Democrats — all Americans are feeling this economic squeeze. But working people are done being ignored." He described wage stagnation, rising housing costs, and lack of affordable healthcare as issues that affect every corner of society.
The "Fighting Oligarchy Tour" in Colorado came at a pivotal time. President Donald Trump’s return to the political stage and his administration’s actions — including federal funding freezes for universities perceived as too liberal — have galvanized progressive leaders and voters alike. Since the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent pro-Palestinian protests across college campuses, political tensions have only intensified. Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez argue that the real threat to democracy isn't protest — it’s the corporate and billionaire stranglehold on policy decisions that harm ordinary Americans.
However, not everyone welcomed the progressive message. Colorado Republicans pushed back, framing the rallies as out-of-touch with the state’s energy economy and working-class concerns. Republican Representative Lauren Boebert issued a sharp statement: "If Democrats want to bring avowed socialists here to promote their Green New Deal scams that will crush Colorado oil & gas jobs, I say let them. The contrast couldn’t be clearer between them and Republicans like Gabe Evans who will fight for energy producers, law enforcement, and small business owners."
Gabe Evans' office also responded, saying, "Congressman Evans is focused on lowering costs, creating safer communities, and keeping the American Dream alive for all Coloradans. That commonsense approach stands in stark contrast to the extreme, job-killing policies of AOC and Bernie Sanders."
Nevertheless, the rally-goers appeared undeterred by such criticism. Many expressed frustration with both political parties. "Neither Democrats nor Republicans are really fighting for working people anymore," said Alicia Torres, a grocery store worker who attended with several coworkers. "That’s why I’m here. We need someone who actually listens."
As the evening progressed, the focus turned from criticism of the political establishment to hope for tangible change. Ocasio-Cortez promised that the progressive coalition would not back down in the face of adversity. "The world is watching," she said. "We have a responsibility to lead — to build a society where every person, not just the wealthy, has a chance to thrive."
For many attendees, the rally was more than a political event — it was a community coming together. Local artists, musicians, and small businesses set up booths around the park, creating a festival-like atmosphere. There were poetry readings, musical performances, and speeches from local community leaders addressing homelessness, climate action, and racial justice.
The tour is set to continue with stops in California, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. Organizers say that the focus will remain on mobilizing younger voters and marginalized communities who have historically felt overlooked by traditional political power structures. In interviews, rally organizers shared that voter registration booths were deliberately placed around the park, with volunteers helping thousands of attendees register to vote or update their information.
Political analysts note that Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez’s approach could significantly influence the 2026 midterms. "If they succeed in channeling this energy into voter turnout, especially among young people and working-class communities, it could reshape the political landscape," said Dr. Rachel Whitman, a political scientist at the University of Denver.
Following the rally, both Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez took time to meet with local community organizers. Behind closed doors, they reportedly discussed strategies for amplifying grassroots movements and funding local initiatives focused on housing and climate resilience.
Critics of the progressive movement argue that the economic impact of policies like the Green New Deal would be too great for states like Colorado, where oil and gas remain major industries. But supporters argue that a just transition toward renewable energy will create new jobs and protect future generations. "This is not about losing jobs," said Ellie Hammond, an environmental science student at the University of Colorado. "It's about building a sustainable economy that doesn't destroy the planet."
Throughout the event, speakers emphasized solidarity, cooperation, and hope. "We are not powerless," Sanders reminded the crowd in his closing remarks. "Change happens when millions of people stand up and demand it."
As the Denver night drew to a close, Civic Center Park lit up with phone flashlights, the crowd singing along to folk anthems of past social movements, merging tradition with a renewed sense of urgency. Many attendees left inspired, ready to carry the message of economic justice and democratic renewal into their communities.
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