Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
generate energy on “Fighting Oligarchy” tour

Tempe, Ariz. — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) stood before a roaring crowd of 30,000 in Denver last week, decrying corporate greed and “oligarchic control” of American politics. Yet beneath the energy of their joint “Fighting Oligarchy” tour lies an urgent question for progressives: What happens when Sanders, the movement’s 83-year-old standard-bearer, steps away?

A Movement at a Crossroads

Sanders, who twice reshaped Democratic politics with insurgent presidential campaigns, has ruled out a 2028 run, leaving his coalition without a clear heir. While Ocasio-Cortez — his most prominent ally — draws fervent support, allies say she remains ambivalent about seeking the White House. “She’d love for someone else to lead,” said a source close to her, noting she might run only if a “void” emerges. Others, like Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), Sanders’ 2020 co-chair, quietly eye presidential bids, but lack her star power.

The uncertainty reflects Sanders’ deliberate rejection of “heir-based politics.” “He doesn’t believe in handing power to someone,” said former aide Ari Rabin-Havt. “If another politician wants this movement, they must earn it.” This philosophy leaves progressives scrambling to unify behind a post-Sanders agenda, even as their rallies attract record crowds — including many first-time attendees — in swing districts.

The AOC Factor

Ocasio-Cortez, 35, embodies both the promise and peril of succession. While she electrifies crowds with personal stories of economic struggle — “I was a waitress; I believe in healthcare because my father died without it” — she has deflected questions about her ambitions. Allies note her reluctance to embrace conventional political ladder-climbing: “She doesn’t plot her next step; she focuses on the movement,” said Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas).

Some Democrats urge her to challenge Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer in 2028, a move that could amplify her influence. Yet Ocasio-Cortez insists her “central focus” is policy, not positioning: “This is about shifting the party’s strategy to fight for working Americans.”

Internal Divisions and Strategic Shifts

Sanders’ call for progressives to run as independents has further divided Democrats. While he argues the party has “abandoned” working-class voters, critics warn independents could split the vote and empower Republicans. The tension mirrors broader Democratic struggles: Party approval sits at 29%, with voters criticizing leaders for compromising with GOP spending bills and failing to counter Trump’s agenda.

Meanwhile, Sanders’ tour highlights contrasting styles. His fiery critiques of billionaires and Medicare-for-All rallies resonate in rural towns, where he urges Democrats to adopt “authenticity over pandering.” Yet moderates fear his populism alienates swing voters. “Crowd size is the worst metric,” warned Third Way’s Matt Bennett, referencing progressives’ 2024 losses.

The Road Ahead

The “Fighting Oligarchy” tour’s success — $7 million raised, 200,000 new donors — underscores Sanders’ enduring appeal. Attendees like Diana Schack, 72, a first-time rallygoer, say Democrats need “leaders willing to brawl” against Trump’s policies. Yet Sanders’ age and health (he suffered a 2019 heart attack) loom over the movement’s longevity.

Progressives hope to channel momentum into structural change. Sanders aims to build an organization to recruit grassroots candidates, while Ocasio-Cortez pushes to “open the Democratic Party” to working-class and young voters . Whether this can outlive Sanders’ presence remains uncertain. As former aide Saikat Chakrabarti noted: “The people at these rallies aren’t here for heirs. They’re here for revolution” .

For now, the movement’s fate hinges on bridging Sanders’ iconic advocacy with a new generation’s vision — a task as daunting as the oligarchy they vow to dismantle.

Post-Sanders Era Looms: Can AOC Fill the Progressive Vacuum? (March 31, 2025)

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#FightingOligarchy #SaveTheMovement #PostSandersEra
#DemocratDilemma #PopulistRevolt #ProgressiveLeadership

Tags: Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, progressive movement,
oligarchy, Democratic Party, political succession,grassroots organizing,
economic populism, independent candidates, 2028 election