What Will the AOC-Bernie Rallies Accomplish?

Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, better known as AOC, has joined long-time leftist politician Bernie
Sanders on his “Fight Oligarchy” tour. The political comrades have made stops in Northern and
Southern California, Arizona, Idaho, Montana, and Utah, discussing what is at stake with
Trump’s second term and encouraging people to do what they can to fight back.
An oligarchy is defined as a small group of people having control of a country, organization, or
institution. In America, that’s Billionaires, Ultra Millionaires and lobbyists. 
AOC’s main talking points so far have included: addressing how we’ve come to this point in
American history, calling for the release of imprisoned and detained activists, calling out the county
and state reps who have voted for tax cuts for the billionaire class, and how the ruling class uses
race and gender to try and divide the people. 
Bernie Sanders’ talking points have included: speaking about the enormous wealth disparity, the
incomprehensible cuts to social programs that we pay into from our taxes, and that Musk played a
huge part in getting DJT elected (donating approximately 270 million dollars to his campaign). 
Many are wondering if this rally is a soft launch to AOC potentially running for POTUS. Others see it
as a movement building strategy – to keep people inspired, motivated, engaged and continuing to
fight for the justice of all. Keeping the people informed and inspired is key but with the world
watching, it is certainly up to the Democratic party to do more than deliver incredible speeches. 
Vision is imperative–a quality that AOC and Sanders share–to keeping hope alive for such issues as
liveable wages, health care for all, sustainable retirement income and ending the war in Gaza. But the
American people are looking for action plans and pragmatic leadership. AOC stated that beyond
elections, what is required of this moment is to build political communities like volunteer groups,
PTAs, and church coalitions. There wasn’t a tangible roll out however so if the purpose of this multi-
city rally is simply to start opening minds, then it’s a job well done. But Trump is getting things done
every day so the Democratic party must learn to do more than plea and profess.