Bernie Sanders and AOC Rally Support at Coachella Stop on ‘Fighting Oligarchy’ Tour

Senator Bernie Sanders brought political passion to the desert over the weekend, making a surprise appearance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival as part of his “Fighting Oligarchy” tour with Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Before arriving in Indio, the duo stopped in Los Angeles, where they spoke about the need for economic justice and taking on corporate power. On Saturday, they continued the message in the Coachella Valley, before heading east on Sunday for a rally in Salt Lake City, Utah.

“This is what oligarchy feels like—not someday, right now,” said Ocasio-Cortez to a packed crowd in Utah, urging supporters to stay active and engaged. “We are willing to do something about it.”

Senator Sanders echoed the sentiment: “We do not want a government of the billionaire class, by the billionaire class, for the billionaire class. We want a government that represents all of us, not just the 1%.”

In Salt Lake City, union advocates gathered outside the venue, asking attendees to support a referendum to repeal a recent ban on collective bargaining. “People who support Bernie, support unions,” said one organizer. “And today proved that.”

Inside the venue, Utahns joined Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez in calling for collective action and emphasized “action over anxiety.” Their message: get involved, contact your representatives, and don’t sit on the sidelines.

As the tour continues across the country, Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez are aiming to build momentum around progressive issues heading into the next election cycle.

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