More than 34,000 people gathered in Colorado on Friday as Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez launched their “Fighting Oligarchy Tour” with a clear message: take on corporate power and build a nation where all Americans can thrive.

The first stop was Civic Center Park in Denver, where an estimated 34,000 supporters rallied to hear the progressive leaders speak out against economic inequality and political corruption. Later that evening, Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez addressed a crowd of about 11,000 people at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.

“They want to know if the people of America are going to stand up to Trumpism, oligarchy,” Sanders told the cheering Denver crowd. Both lawmakers emphasized their commitment to challenging billionaires' growing influence over American democracy and policymaking.

The event in Denver drew a passionate and diverse crowd, many of whom expressed concerns over corporate influence and growing inequality. Nancy Larsen, a rallygoer, criticized the federal government for favoring big corporations: “Musk is not our Congress. Act lawfully, not awfully,” she said, comparing the situation to a reverse Robin Hood story—taking from the poor to give to the rich.

The rally featured appearances by union leaders from the construction, grocery, and education sectors, as attendees voiced support for organized labor and frustrations with stagnant wages and rising living costs. “Republicans, Democrats— all Americans are feeling this,” said Chris Martinez, one of the attendees, emphasizing bipartisan frustration with the status quo.

Ocasio-Cortez addressed the crowd with a call for Democrats to fight harder for true progressive change. “This is not just a fight against Republicans. It’s a fight for the soul of the Democratic Party too,” she said, receiving loud applause.

However, not all responses were supportive. Several Colorado Republicans criticized the tour’s message. A spokesperson for Republican Rep. Gabe Evans, whose district includes Greeley, stated that Evans “is fighting for lower costs, safer communities, and making the American Dream possible for all Coloradans,” and claimed that his commonsense approach stands in contrast to what they called “extreme” rhetoric from Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez.

Rep. Lauren Boebert also weighed in, saying, “If Democrats want to bring a couple of avowed socialists to Weld County to talk about their Green New Deal scams that will crush Colorado oil & gas jobs, I say go for it.” She added that Evans and other Republicans would continue to support energy producers, law enforcement, and small businesses.

Despite criticism, Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez pledged to continue advocating for a political revolution. “The world is watching,” Sanders said, underscoring the global significance of America’s political direction. The tour aims to galvanize progressive voters and push the Democratic Party toward more transformative economic and environmental policies.