A packed crowd filled the Mullet Arena at Arizona State University (ASU) on Thursday night as thousands gathered for the rally that was part of a larger “Fight Oligarchy” tour across the country, aimed at challenging the influence of billionaires buying elections. This rally led by Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The event focused on fighting economic inequality and removing big money from politics. Many people who arrived late had to stay outside because the venue had reached its maximum capacity.
Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez argued that large corporations and the ultra-rich should not have the power to control elections through massive donations. Their goal is to make sure every vote matters, regardless of how much money someone has.
Calls to Protect Social Programs
One of the major topics discussed at the rally was the potential impact of budget cuts on everyday Americans. Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez warned that Republican lawmakers are trying to reduce funding for important programs that help millions of people. They pointed out that one proposal would cut Medicaid, a healthcare program that provides medical services to low-income families, by one-third. If this happens, hundreds of thousands of people in Arizona could lose their health coverage.
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The speakers also criticized attempts to reduce Social Security benefits, which many seniors rely on for their daily needs. They stressed that cutting these programs would harm vulnerable communities the most, including children, rural residents, and people in nursing homes.
Another issue raised during the rally was the proposed layoffs of 80,000 workers at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Marilyn Wilbur, an Air Force veteran who deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan and survived six bouts of cancer, spoke about how VA hospitals saved her life. She said that reducing staff and funding at the VA would make it harder for veterans to get the care they need.
Arizona Education Association President Marisol Garcia also spoke at the rally, addressing concerns about Trump directing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to close the Department of Education. She pointed out that Arizona receives $1 billion in federal education funding and that eliminating the department could put 20,000 jobs at risk.
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Fight Against Billionaires Buying Elections
A key focus of the rally was the need to reform the way elections are funded. Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez called for an end to the system that allows billionaires to spend unlimited amounts of money on campaigns for buying elections. They explained how the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision has allowed corporations and wealthy individuals to pour huge amounts of money into elections without revealing where the money comes from.
The crowd loudly cheered when Ocasio-Cortez said that elections should be about people, not about who can spend the most money in buying elections. Many in the audience chanted “AOC” in support of campaign finance reform.
Criticism of Party Leadership and Call to Action
The rally also addressed education funding. Garcia pointed out that a plan is being discussed to eliminate the Department of Education, which could take away billions of dollars from schools and put thousands of jobs at risk. She argued that schools need more support, not less, especially as many already struggle with budget cuts.
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Throughout the night, Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez encouraged people to stay engaged in politics and fight for policies that benefit working families. Ocasio-Cortez also took aim at her own party, saying, “We need a Democratic Party that fights hard for us, too,” which was met with loud cheers and a standing ovation. She praised Arizona voters for electing Sen. Mark Kelly and Rep. Ruben Gallego, while also taking a subtle jab at former Democratic Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, who often clashed with progressives.
Members of Arizona’s Democratic caucus, including U.S. Rep. Yassamin Ansari, Phoenix Councilwoman Anna Hernandez, state Rep. Lorena Austin, state Rep. Cesar Aguilar, and state Sen. Analise Ortiz, were present at the rally.
The rally ended with a call to action, urging attendees to stay involved and continue advocating for issues that matter to them. The event was part of a tour visiting multiple states, with plans for another rally in Arizona later in the week.
