Overview

• Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's 'Fighting Oligarchy' events are drawing tens of thousands, highlighting widespread grassroots frustration with Democratic leadership's perceived inaction.
• While many attendees are new to Sanders's movement, they are drawn by his economic populist message and willingness to challenge Trump and corporate power.
• The success of these rallies is influencing centrist Democrats like Tim Walz and Ro Khanna to host similar anti-Trump events, signaling a shift in party dynamics.
• Polling shows a divide within the Democratic Party, with 45% of members favoring a more moderate direction despite growing support for progressive figures.
• Progressive momentum is challenging assumptions that the party must move to the right after Kamala Harris's 2024 defeat, with economic populism gaining traction.