Latest news with #FightOligarchy
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Democratic voters slam their own party as 'inept' and 'useless' in NY Times opinion interview
A group of Democratic voters told New York Times Opinion that they were disappointed in their party, which some called "inept" and "useless." "You need to go back to the drawing board and reconnect with common people and talk about how you can work toward helping people get what they need. We know how bad it is," Terrell of Texas told the Times, before referring to President Donald Trump by saying, "No one cares how villainous he is." The Democratic Party's favorability ratings are at record lows as its leadership grapples with how to respond after Trump's win in 2024. "Focusing on Trump and how bad of a threat he was didn't work. And I think they were too focused on 2020 because it worked in 2020. But he was already in power. Moving forward, they need to do what Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders have done — the Fight Oligarchy tour, reconnect with people, find out what the average American wants — and then run with that platform through the midterms," Ariel of Indiana told the outlet. Democrats' Identity Crisis: Youth Revolt Rocks Party After Trump Comeback The group of voters were also very critical of Trump's presidency so far. Read On The Fox News App Ashley, a young voter from New York, told the opinion writers that it was hard to even defend the Democrats anymore. "It's so hard to even defend Democrats anymore because they don't stand on their convictions enough. Especially now over the last 100 days, it's really tiring. And I think people just need a sense of hope. And I'm not getting that. We just need to know that you are on our side, because it doesn't feel like it," she said. When asked what fighting Trump might look like, Laura, a mail carrier from Missouri, said, "I don't think fighting Trump is the entire answer. But we've got to do something to bring the two parties together to talk without shouting, because it's just not going to work any other way. We've got to talk. And that's hard." Van Jones Warns Democratic Party Is 'Screwed,' Adding They 'Don't Know What To Do' The opinion writers also asked about Democratic leaders, specifically Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y. Two young Democratic voters told the writers that they were frustrated with both of them. "I'm upset with Jeffries because I saw an interview where he said: We can't really do anything. It's disappointing to hear that. And when Schumer caved on the budget proposal that he switched up on and essentially lectured people on how it should have been done and trying to defend himself, it just feels like they're not listening and they're trying to tell people how things should be done and they're doing it right and 'We know what's going on, and you don't,'" Ariel, 23, said. Ashley, 19, said she preferred Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, because the lawmaker wasn't afraid to speak her mind. "It seems like they're running out the same defense, even though they see that it's not working. You're getting killed, but you're still running the same game. You're still using the same political tactics. You gave a grand speech, and you broke a record. It's all performative. What are you doing to really reconnect with people, to galvanize and pull people together? Click Here For More Coverage Of Media And Culture Several of the Democratic voters criticized former President Biden for running for re-election, and said Harris didn't have enough time to article source: Democratic voters slam their own party as 'inept' and 'useless' in NY Times opinion interview
Fox News
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Democratic voters slam their own party as 'inept' and 'useless' in NY Times opinion interview
A group of Democratic voters told New York Times Opinion that they were disappointed in their party, which some called "inept" and "useless." "You need to go back to the drawing board and reconnect with common people and talk about how you can work toward helping people get what they need. We know how bad it is," Terrell of Texas told the Times, before referring to President Donald Trump by saying, "No one cares how villainous he is." The Democratic Party's favorability ratings are at record lows as its leadership grapples with how to respond after Trump's win in 2024. "Focusing on Trump and how bad of a threat he was didn't work. And I think they were too focused on 2020 because it worked in 2020. But he was already in power. Moving forward, they need to do what Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders have done — the Fight Oligarchy tour, reconnect with people, find out what the average American wants — and then run with that platform through the midterms," Ariel of Indiana told the outlet. The group of voters were also very critical of Trump's presidency so far. Ashley, a young voter from New York, told the opinion writers that it was hard to even defend the Democrats anymore. "It's so hard to even defend Democrats anymore because they don't stand on their convictions enough. Especially now over the last 100 days, it's really tiring. And I think people just need a sense of hope. And I'm not getting that. We just need to know that you are on our side, because it doesn't feel like it," she said. When asked what fighting Trump might look like, Laura, a mail carrier from Missouri, said, "I don't think fighting Trump is the entire answer. But we've got to do something to bring the two parties together to talk without shouting, because it's just not going to work any other way. We've got to talk. And that's hard." The opinion writers also asked about Democratic leaders, specifically Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y. Two young Democratic voters told the writers that they were frustrated with both of them. "I'm upset with Jeffries because I saw an interview where he said: We can't really do anything. It's disappointing to hear that. And when Schumer caved on the budget proposal that he switched up on and essentially lectured people on how it should have been done and trying to defend himself, it just feels like they're not listening and they're trying to tell people how things should be done and they're doing it right and 'We know what's going on, and you don't,'" Ariel, 23, said. Ashley, 19, said she preferred Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, because the lawmaker wasn't afraid to speak her mind. "It seems like they're running out the same defense, even though they see that it's not working. You're getting killed, but you're still running the same game. You're still using the same political tactics. You gave a grand speech, and you broke a record. It's all performative. What are you doing to really reconnect with people, to galvanize and pull people together? Several of the Democratic voters criticized former President Biden for running for re-election, and said Harris didn't have enough time to campaign.
Times
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Times
Is ‘fight oligarchy' the best Democrats can do?
In a demotic age, when political messages are designed to stimulate the baser popular instincts, and campaign slogans cry simple exhortations such as 'Make America great again' or 'Take back control', 'Fight oligarchy' seems a little rarefied. It sounds like the kind of thing you'd read on a placard at a demonstration for higher pay by political science professors, or the name of a punk rock tribute band composed of ageing former PhD students. But across the US this spring, tens of thousands of Americans are showing up at rallies in places such as Missoula, Montana and Nampa, Idaho, to declare their allegiance to it; signing up as hoplites in a modern day Democratic army ready to fight what its leaders say characterises this US
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
AOC's constituents weigh in on presidential run, recall her stunning 2018 political upset
Constituents in Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's New York district are warning Republicans not to underestimate the firebrand progressive lawmaker who caused a sensational political upset in 2018 – as rumors swirl about the four-term congresswoman running for president in 2028. Ocasio-Cortez hosted a town hall in New York City on Friday in the same neighborhood where she unseated longtime Democratic Rep. Joe Crowley to become the nation's youngest congresswoman. Against all odds and with little money, her spectacular win sent shockwaves through the Democratic Party as she effectively ended the political career of Crowley, who at that point was a 10-term incumbent and eyeing being the next House speaker. 'Come For Me' Aoc Taunts Tom Homan After Border Czar Threatened To Refer Her To Justice Department Some political observers say Crowley took Ocasio-Cortez for granted, while her constituents believe attaining the nation's highest office is not beyond her grasp. Fast-forward to 2025 and Ocasio-Cortez has become one of the biggest voices in a party yearning for political leadership. The huge turnouts for her "Fight Oligarchy" tour events alongside Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., has fueled speculation she has enough momentum to launch a presidential bid, while she has also raked in $9.6 million in the first three months of the year, beating her own record fundraising haul. Read On The Fox News App Mark LaVergne, who's an independent and was outside Ocasio-Cortez's town hall but did not attend, told Fox News Digital that he believes she has a winning personality. "Don't underestimate her. I mean, that was the mistake Joe Crowley and his people made seven years ago," LaVergne said. "They underestimated her. That was a fatal mistake." Andrew Sokolof Diaz said Ocasio-Cortez's popularity appears to be growing and said it would be an honor to vote for her. "Absolutely, we stand with her. I think she absolutely has the support, not only here in her district, but she has the support nationally, maybe even internationally, to run for president." Sokolof Diaz said. Aleks Itskovich, who traveled from Brooklyn and moved to the U.S. from Russia when he was three years old, said he was inspired by the "Fight Oligarchy" tour and said it proves she connects with the ordinary person. "It goes back to the authenticity," Itskovich said. "I think that she's able to come across as a genuine individual that is able to channel people's concerns directly and feel relatable, honest, that she's not coming from the 1%. She's one of the most successful politicians of this generation, so I want to keep seeing how that goes." Hysterical Town Hall Attendee Interrupts Aoc, Yells About 'Genocide' In Gaza: 'You're A Liar!' However, not all were keen on the potential move, with Woodside resident Mary Madden saying she felt Ocasio-Cortez is too young, while John Szewczuk, who has lived in Jackson Heights for 44 years, said she may be too left wing to win the presidency outright, but he would still back her. About 450 people packed into a local school auditorium to hear Ocasio-Cortez talk about a host of issues ranging from local concerns about a major casino to national issues like Medicaid and the Trump administration's mass deportation efforts. Long lines outside the location caused the event to be delayed for nearly 20 minutes while those who couldn't get in were shuffled into an overflow room across the hall. Inside, attendees gave Ocasio-Cortez a rousingly warm reception and appeared fully supportive of her legislative agenda and her representation of the district to date. Many questions from the audience centered around local issues, calls for a minimum wage hike, how to improve air quality, as well as asking her how she plans on tackling the Trump administration. The loudest applause came when Ocasio-Cortez voiced her opposition to a proposed new casino in Queens, which would be part of new sports and entertainment park. The $8 billion project is being spearheaded by New York Mets' billionaire owner Steve Cohen and has gotten approval from the New York City Council. The congresswoman admitted, however, she doesn't have a say in the matter since it's a state issue and not in her district. Applause also rang out when Ocasio-Cortez dared border czar Tom Homan to arrest her after he previously threatened to refer her to the Justice Department for giving advice to migrants on how to avoid being deported. The town hall went off without a hitch except for an early disruption by a protester who heckled at Ocasio-Cortez about the war in Israel. She was then removed. The town hall took place in a leafy section of Jackson Heights, known for its strong progressive leanings. A major avenue adjacent to the school was recently transformed into an "open street," where traffic was substantially reduced to create more public space for pedestrians, cyclists and community use. "I love it, it's a great neighborhood, it is very diverse, probably one of the most diverse in the world," Szewczuk said. Conversely, the school is about three blocks away from the Roosevelt Avenue commercial strip, which has become notorious for its open-air sex workers, trash-filled streets, crime, drugs and anti-social behavior. Roosevelt Avenue runs along the southern border of Ocasio-Cortez's 14th District, and the strip is shared by Rep. Grace Meng. Fox News Digital observed at least 30 prostitutes soliciting sex along one block of Roosevelt Avenue about an hour after the town hall finished. Some sidewalks along the squalid strip are hard to navigate given the sheer number of people – many of whom are migrants – selling hot food, fruit and vegetables, counterfeit goods and what appeared to be stolen goods. Ocasio-Cortez never mentioned the strip, nor did any attendee ask about it in the question and answers section. While all questions were submitted in advance and Ocasio-Cortez left out a side door the moment the event ended, it appeared it was way down in the list of priorities for those in attendance. Sokolof Diaz and Szewczuk said it's on local politicians to do more, while LaVergne said that Ocasio-Cortez has failed the neighborhood in that respect. LaVergne said he was also still angry that she helped stop Amazon opening a massive headquarters in Queens a few years ago. "I feel very sad. Sometimes you walk by, there's a Dunkin' Donuts I frequent on Roosevelt and 82nd St., and I noticed that above that, there is some sort of thing going on. And I see the look in the eyes of these sex workers," LaVergne said. "I really feel sorry for them. Some of them are here probably under difficult situations. Maybe they were forced here, maybe they're forced to do this kind of work. You've got to take care of the people that'll get you elected. I mean, that just seems like the most just thing. That's justice. Taking care of the people who got you elected."Original article source: AOC's constituents weigh in on presidential run, recall her stunning 2018 political upset
USA Today
01-05-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Bernie Sanders, AOC plan more 'Fight Oligarchy' tour stops. Are they coming to Washington?
Bernie Sanders, AOC plan more 'Fight Oligarchy' tour stops. Are they coming to Washington? Show Caption Hide Caption Bernie Sanders, AOC rally in Tempe, call out Arizona GOP Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez rallied in Arizona on March 21, 2025. The Democrats called out the Trump administration. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., are joining forces on the road again. The progressive duo is starting a new leg of its "Fighting Oligarchy" tour with a stop in Los Angeles on April 12. The tour consists of rallies and town halls that have drawn large crowds to hear Sanders, 83, and Ocasio-Cortez, 35, challenge President Donald Trump's policies and economic disparities in the U.S. "Today, we have more income and wealth inequality than we have ever had," Sanders said in Greeley, Colorado, on March 21. "Today, we have three multi-billionaires – Mr. Musk, Mr. Bezos, Mr. Zuckerberg – these three combined own more wealth than the bottom half of American society." Elon Musk, one of Trump's top advisers, has a net worth of about $338 billion, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has a net worth of $206 billion, and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has a net worth of $198 billion, according to Forbes. Here's more on the tour: Is the 'Fighting Oligarchy' tour coming to Washington state? As of April 1, no "Fighting Oligarchy" tour dates had been scheduled in Washington state, according to the tour website. This publication reached out to Sanders' website to ask whether any Washington stops were in the works but did not immediately receive a response. Where is the 'Fighting Oligarchy' tour going? The "Fighting Oligarchy" tour's next stop is Gloria Molina Grand Park in Los Angeles on April 12. Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez are scheduled to speak, according to Sanders' website. No other upcoming dates were listed, but Politico's Christopher Cadelago posted on X a March 27 press release from the Sanders team that said more "events will be announced in the coming days." What is the 'Fighting Oligarchy' tour? The "Fighting Oligarchy" tour is a series of rallies and town halls headlined by Sanders to "have real discussions across America on how we move forward to take on the Oligarchs and corporate interests who have so much power and influence in this country," according to the senator's website. It started in Omaha, Nebraska, on Feb. 21, with Sanders saying in an Instagram post that he would take the tour across the country from there. It has since made stops in Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, Nevada, Arizona, and Colorado. According to the Sanders team's press release, the tour has drawn more than 107,000 people. What is an oligarchy? Merriam-Webster defines oligarchy as "government by the few" and "a government in which a small group exercises control especially for corrupt and selfish purposes." While the term has been used to describe places such as Russia and China, the Encyclopedia Britannica notes that some scholars believe the U.S. has become "an oligarchy or a plutocracy" because corporations and the ultrarich can take advantage of societal wealth gaps to wield political influence, "often against the preferences of the majority of ordinary citizens." "Oligarchy is about bridging economic and political power," Luke Winslow, associate professor of communication at Baylor University and author of "Oligarchy in America: Power, Justice, and the Rule of the Few," said in a panel discussion on NewsNation in 2022. "And I think what oligarchs are primarily concerned with is if the processes by which they bridge economic and political power are well known." Americans, Sanders has said, "live in an oligarchic society in which billionaires dominate not only our politics and the information we consume from media, but our government and economic lives as well." Contributing: Maria Francis, USA TODAY Network
