MISSOULA, Mont. Ƶ The Adams Center at the University of Montana was filled with Montana Democrats eager to hear from prominent party leaders. Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez addressed the crowd on the issue of oligarchy.
ƵThey got enormous amounts of wealth and power. But you know what we got? We got the people!Ƶ said Sanders, emphasizing the power of collective action.
The speeches focused on key issues such as housing, healthcare, education, reproductive rights, and the American dream. Ocasio-Cortez passionately stated, ƵAnd we will rally every corner of the United States of America until we save Medicaid and Medicare for every American, until we defend Social Security. And we tell them who's really in charge in this country.Ƶ
The topic of oligarchy, which refers to a small group of people holding power, was central to the discussions. Sanders highlighted the wealth disparities, noting, ƵMr. Musk himself owns more wealth than the bottom 56% of American households.Ƶ He further added, ƵThat is not what this country is supposed to be about.Ƶ Sanders also addressed concerns about authoritarianism, stating, ƵThe American people conservative, progressive, moderate us standing up loud and clear and telling Trump, you will not create an authoritarian society, weƵre a democracy.Ƶ
The event also featured speeches from Forest Service and union representatives before the nationally known Democrats took the stage. Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez called out Montanan representatives and congressmen by name, drawing attention to the local political scene and its impact on larger issues.