Bulwark Takes: "Bernie and AOC Meet Enormous Crowds While Barnstorming America"
Release Date: March 22, 2025
Host/Authors: Tim Miller and Sam Stein from The Bulwark
Introduction
In this episode of Bulwark Takes, hosts Tim Miller and Sam Stein delve into the recent barnstorming tour of Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) across the Mountain West. Highlighting their ability to draw massive crowds and the implications for the Democratic Party, the discussion offers insights into the evolving dynamics within progressive movements.
Massive Crowd Engagement
Tim Miller kicks off the conversation by referencing the impressive turnout at Bernie and AOC's rallies, notably a 30,000-strong gathering in Denver and subsequent events in Arizona and Greeley. He humorously remarks on Greeley’s notorious odor due to intensive farming, setting a light-hearted tone before delving into the significance of these large assemblies.
Quote:
"Bernie and AOC have been on just a barnstorm tour all over the mountain west here. I'm in Arizona right now and they had an event in Arizona that I want to talk about. [...] a massive event there in front of city, in front of the capitol, I think 30,000 people they said outside in downtown Denver."
— Tim Miller [00:27]
Sam Stein emphasizes the unprecedented nature of these gatherings, noting that the Denver event surpassed any previous attendance from Bernie’s presidential campaigns. He highlights that the crowd comprised new supporters rather than just Bernie’s traditional base, indicating a broader appeal.
Quote:
"They are checking their email list and, and running that against the people who are signing up for these cards. [...] there was a direct correlation. These were new people who were registering. So people are, you know, there's a huge appetite for some sort of, any sort of resistance."
— Sam Stein [01:37]
Formation of a New Progressive Coalition
The hosts explore the emergence of a "Simultaneous weird coalition" blending AOC's progressive base with more centrist Democrats. Sam Stein identifies figures like Connor Lamb and Tim Ryan as part of this diverse group, suggesting that this alliance could prove potent for the resistance against current political challenges.
Quote:
"There's sort of this Simultaneous weird coalition that's forming with AOC and a bunch of kind of like what you and I would affectionately call centrist white dudes."
— Sam Stein [02:45]
Tim Miller builds on this by referring to Dave Weigel’s observations of the rallies, noting the influx of non-traditional Bernie voters. He underscores that the enthusiasm is not confined to Bernie die-hards but extends to a wider demographic seeking strong leadership.
Quote:
"The crowd was, you know, not. It wasn't just Bernie's not just bringing out people that were for him in the 2016 and 2020 primaries. Right. Like, there are some new people coming out that are also young and progressive, but there are also some people just Democrats that are not."
— Tim Miller [03:32]
Pent-Up Frustration and Demand for Resistance
Sam Stein draws parallels to the immediate post-Trump era, recalling the rapid mobilization following his election. He posits that the current large gatherings signify a similar, though lagging, desire for collective action and resistance among Democrats and allies.
Quote:
"But it doesn't mean that there isn't an appetite for people, for that type of demonstration of disobedience. [...] they need a way to demonstrate how pissed off and afraid frankly they are."
— Sam Stein [06:22]
Tim Miller agrees, suggesting that the presence of such large crowds indicates a reservoir of pent-up frustration. He points out that unlike institutional Democratic efforts, which have been sluggish, AOC and Bernie are effectively channeling this collective anger into actionable movements.
Challenges Facing the Democratic Establishment
The conversation shifts to the Democratic Party's current state, with Tim Miller critiquing leaders like Chuck Schumer for their perceived ineffectiveness. Sam Stein concurs, noting that while institutional efforts might eventually galvanize, they have yet to match the grassroots energy epitomized by Bernie and AOC.
Quote:
"The lethargy of the Democrats, particularly Chuck Schumer here is asc right here in Arizona about a day ago."
— Tim Miller [07:54]
Sam Stein elaborates on AOC’s recent critiques of party figures like John Fetterman, illustrating internal tensions and the base's demand for more vigorous representation.
Quote:
"There's, like, real frustration among the base of Democratic voters over how Schumer and Fetterman have conducted themselves."
— Sam Stein [10:25]
AOC’s Rhetoric and Its Impact
A pivotal moment in the episode features AOC’s powerful speech during one of the rallies. She calls for a "Democratic Party that fights harder for us" and emphasizes promises like universal healthcare, living wages, and free speech.
AOC’s Speech Excerpt:
"I want to live in an America that guarantees health to every person. I want to live in an America that has a living wage for every person. [...] These promises that we've made, they are not promises from politicians to the people or they're not charity from billionaires to everyday Americans."
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez [12:40]
Tim Miller highlights the distinctive nature of AOC’s messages compared to other Democratic leaders like Gretchen Whitmer or Josh Shapiro, noting the emphasis on economic justice and solidarity.
Quote:
"Her focus is very different. [...] If the Democrats are struggling with working class people, I do think that it is [...] the economic justice side of this is very central to what they're doing."
— Tim Miller [14:08]
Emphasis on Economic Populism
Sam Stein discusses the strategic pivot towards economic populism within the Democratic Party, suggesting that figures like Bernie and AOC are revitalizing the party by reintroducing progressive economic policies that resonate with a broad base.
Quote:
"I think it's sort of on emphasis. It's like we need economic populism from a sort of liberal Democratic perspective than from what Trump is vaguely offering."
— Sam Stein [16:58]
Tim Miller concurs, highlighting that while some policy differences exist, the overarching focus is on uniting against the current administration's perceived failures and championing issues like Social Security and Medicare.
Conclusion
The episode concludes with Tim Miller and Sam Stein acknowledging the significant strides Bernie Sanders and AOC are making in energizing the Democratic base and beyond. They stress the importance of this momentum for future political endeavors and the necessity for the Democratic establishment to harness and build upon this grassroots enthusiasm.
Final Thoughts:
"There are two outlets right now. There are Tesla protests and there's like the random Bernie AOC mega rally. And there's just not enough outlets for people to demonstrate how pissed off and afraid frankly they are."
— Sam Stein [06:25]
Key Takeaways
- High Attendance at Rallies: Bernie Sanders and AOC are successfully drawing large and diverse crowds, indicating a revitalized and broader base of support.
- Emerging Progressive Coalition: A new alliance is forming within the left, bridging traditional progressives with centrist Democrats, potentially strengthening the political resistance.
- Demand for Strong Leadership: There is a palpable demand for leaders who can channel collective frustration and advocate effectively against current political adversities.
- Emphasis on Economic Justice: The focus on economic populism and social solidarity is reenergizing the Democratic agenda, appealing to a wider demographic.
- Challenges for the Democratic Establishment: Traditional party leaders face criticisms for their lack of vigorous action, highlighting a need for internal reorganization and strategy adjustment.
This detailed exploration by Tim Miller and Sam Stein provides a comprehensive understanding of the current state and future trajectory of progressive movements within the Democratic Party, underscoring the significant impact of prominent figures like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.