Post Reports: Inside Bernie Sanders's Anti-Trump Resistance
Release Date: May 5, 2025
Hosts: Martine Powers and Elahe Izadi

Introduction to the Fighting Oligarchy Rally

Post Reports delves into the burgeoning anti-Trump movement spearheaded by Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC). Hosted by Martine Powers and Elahe Izadi, the episode captures the essence of Sanders's "Fighting Oligarchy" tour, highlighting its significance in shaping contemporary Democratic resistance against President Donald Trump.

Witnessing the Movement Firsthand

Reporter Colby Yakowitz and co-host Laura Benshoff attend a large rally at an expo center in central Pennsylvania, observing enthusiastic crowds adorned with anti-Trump merchandise. Yakowitz notes, “These rallies... are creating an outlet for Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents to channel their frustrations” (00:57).

Voices of the Attendees

The episode features intimate interviews with several rally-goers, each expressing deep disillusionment with the current political landscape:

• Amber DeSantis (03:43):
  "I'm scared of what's going on right now... I could never have imagined this dystopian world that we're living in being real life."
  Amber articulates fears over diminishing freedoms, particularly concerning women's rights and healthcare access, exacerbated by Trump’s policies.

• Bonnie Cox (06:22):
  An editor of social studies curricula, Bonnie reflects on the tangible impacts of Trump’s executive orders, such as the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, which she interprets as an intimidation tactic to stifle dissent.

• David Carnes and Katherine Rhett (07:04):
  Both in their 60s, they share personal stories of job losses among their children due to Elon Musk's policies and government inefficiencies, underscoring the real-life consequences of current administration decisions.

Bernie Sanders’ Rally Address

At the heart of the episode is Bernie Sanders’s impassioned speech delivered at the rally:

• Defeating Oligarchy and Authoritarianism (09:03):
  "Let us defeat oligarchy. Let us defeat authoritarianism and create a government and economy that works for all of us, not just a few."

• Critique of Ultra-Wealthy Elites (09:29):
  "People are sick and tired of a handful of billionaires running the United States government... dismantling the Social Security Administration, so it's harder for older disabled people."

Sanders emphasizes the need for policies that support the working class, such as stronger labor protections, universal healthcare, and free public college. He positions the second Trump administration as a catalyst that necessitates this renewed political activism.

Interview with Faz Shakir: Strategic Insights

Faz Shakir, a senior advisor to Sanders, provides a deeper analysis of the movement's challenges and strategies:

• Democratic Party’s Failings (15:01):
  "The Democratic Party has become too much controlled by billionaires and the consultant class and have turned their backs in many ways on the needs of the working class."

• Grassroots Mobilization (18:45):
  "We have organizers around the country who are building grassroots organizations to help candidates run for office as progressives... We need a political revolution in this country."

Shakir elaborates on the necessity of a political revolution to counteract the influence of ultra-wealthy donors and entrenched political consultants. He advocates for empowering everyday citizens to run for office and engage actively in the political process.

• Addressing Policy Misconceptions (22:25):
  "How are you going to sell it to Sky... Sanders is bringing this up because Paramount Global owns news outlets like CBS."
  Shakir discusses the challenges of media influence and the portrayal of progressive policies as “socialism,” which undermines public support.

Challenges and Future Directions

The episode highlights several obstacles facing Sanders's movement:

• Media and Wealthy Opposition:
  Shakir points out the significant barriers posed by media conglomerates and wealthy elites who oppose progressive reforms, making it difficult to gain widespread support for initiatives like Medicare for All.

• Internal Frustrations:
  Attendees like Scott Diener Jr. express frustration with rallies that “don’t have any teeth,” indicating a desire for more concrete actions and strategies beyond symbolic demonstrations (08:09).

• Engaging the Working Class:
  Both Sanders and Shakir emphasize the importance of reconnecting with the working class by addressing their real concerns—healthcare, job security, and economic stability—rather than adhering to the status quo that seems increasingly out of touch.

Conclusion: The Path Forward

Post Reports concludes by underscoring the critical role of Sanders’s movement in revitalizing Democratic activism. Faz Shakir remains optimistic, highlighting the influx of grassroots candidates eager to challenge the existing political order. The episode calls for a unified effort to stand against oligarchic influences and champion policies that truly benefit the majority.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• “Let us defeat oligarchy. Let us defeat authoritarianism and create a government and economy that works for all of us, not just a few.”
  — Bernie Sanders (00:33)

• “Why are we spending a trillion dollars on the military and you got 800,000 people sleeping out on the street?”
  — Faz Shakir (16:22)

• “We need a movement of working people to stand up and fight for a government and an economy that works for workers, not just the 1%.”
  — Bernie Sanders (13:21)

• “The Democratic Party has become too much controlled by billionaires and the consultant class...”
  — Faz Shakir (18:09)

Timestamps Reference

• [00:03] to [25:31]: Full transcript coverage.
• Key moments and quotes are referenced throughout the summary with corresponding timestamps.

This detailed summary encapsulates the pivotal discussions and insights from the Post Reports episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened to the podcast.