Senator Bernie Sanders kicked off his “Fighting Oligarchy: Where We Go From Here” tour in Omaha on February 22, 2025, addressing a large crowd of over 2,500 people, with hundreds more turned away due to space limitations.
Sanders focused on the growing divide in the U.S. under the leadership of President Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, emphasizing the disparity between the wealthy and working-class Americans. He criticized tax cuts for the rich while 60% of Americans struggle to live paycheck to paycheck. Sanders encouraged a grassroots movement to fight against oligarchy, promoting unity across political lines.
The event, initially planned for the Laborers International Union building, was moved to the Marriott to accommodate the large turnout. Among those attending were locals like Kitty Brougham, who expressed her concern for her transgender daughter’s future under current policies.
Sanders’ speech resonated with attendees, many of whom are concerned about issues like workers’ rights, agricultural policies, and the impact of Trump’s leadership.
Sanders’ message highlighted the importance of standing up for democracy and fighting for a better future for working-class Americans.
With Nebraska’s unique system of splitting Electoral College votes, Sanders also pointed to the significance of engaging voters in traditionally red states like Nebraska, where recent elections have seen shifts toward Democratic candidates in certain districts.
Labor union leader Ron Kaminski and other local speakers echoed Sanders’ call for unity and action, stressing the need for collective efforts to address rising costs of living and ensure policies that benefit all Americans, not just the wealthy elite.