Bernie Sanders Calls for “Bottom-Up Revolution” — Urges America to Channel “No Kings” Rally Energy to Fight Oligarchy
Senator Bernie Sanders, the independent from Vermont and longtime champion of progressive causes, recently sat down with Jon Stewart on “The Daily Show” to discuss his new book, *Fight Oligarchy*, and the political moment ignited by the historic “No Kings” protests. Sanders called for a bottom-up revolution, urging Americans to channel the energy of the rallies into a clear, bold vision for the country—one that tackles income inequality, universal healthcare, affordable housing, and the outsized influence of corporations and oligarchs.
A Historic Protest, A New Opportunity
Sanders opened the conversation by reflecting on his experience addressing one of the largest “No Kings” rallies in Washington, D.C., where 200,000 people gathered. Across the nation, more than 7 million Americans participated in 2,600 events, not just in major cities but in small towns as well. Sanders described the protests as “extraordinary,” a powerful rejection of Trumpism, authoritarianism, and oligarchy.
He drew parallels between the movement’s grassroots energy and the Tea Party uprising of a decade ago, but emphasized the need for direction and purpose: “It’s got to be a bottom-on-up revolution, not a top-down.”
Building a Vision for the Democratic Party
Sanders was candid in his critique of the Democratic Party, arguing that many leaders lack a clear, compelling vision for the future. He pointed to extreme income and wealth inequality, a corrupt campaign finance system, and the influence of billionaires over elections as fundamental problems.
“In this extraordinarily wealthy country, why don’t we guarantee health care to every man, woman, and child as a human right?” Sanders asked, highlighting universal healthcare as a cornerstone of his vision. He also called for massive investments in affordable housing, noting the struggle of young people to buy homes in today’s market.
Trump, Populism, and Policy Ironies
Stewart noted the irony that some of Trump’s policies—such as government intervention in pharmaceuticals—echo Sanders’ own proposals. Sanders agreed, calling Trump a “pathological liar” but not stupid, and acknowledged that Trump’s message resonates because he admits the system is broken. However, Sanders insisted that Trump’s actions, including efforts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, would worsen the crisis, potentially leaving millions uninsured and tens of thousands dying unnecessarily each year.
Sanders pressed for a Medicare for All single-payer system, calling the current healthcare structure “designed to make huge profits for insurance and drug companies.” He lamented the Democratic Party’s reluctance to embrace bold solutions, blaming the influence of lobbyists and campaign donors for the party’s timidity.
The Corrupting Influence of Money
Sanders and Stewart discussed the role of money in politics, particularly the impact of Citizens United and the proliferation of super PACs. Sanders advocated for public funding of elections and a return to tuition-free public colleges, recalling that many universities were once free for working-class families.
He criticized policies that funnel government subsidies to private corporations and institutions, arguing that such approaches drive up costs and benefit middlemen rather than the public. “We have got to make it simple,” Sanders said. “In the wealthiest country in the history of the world, should health care be a human right? Yes, it should be. Should we have the best-quality education in the world from child care to graduate school? Yes, we should.”
Taking on the Oligarchs
Sanders was clear: the time has come to challenge the power of the ultra-wealthy. “You’ve got to say to the oligarchs who have never, ever had it so good… sorry, guys, a billion dollars is enough. You’re going to start paying your fair share of taxes.”
He called for Democrats to govern with courage, inspired by Trump’s willingness to use executive power—but in service of working people, not the wealthy.
The Threat of Corporate Power and the Promise of AI
Sanders warned that corporations and oligarchs now “regulate the government,” wielding more power than elected officials. He called for a grassroots movement to reclaim control, especially as new technologies like AI and robotics threaten to displace millions of workers.
“The future of AI must work for working people, not just billionaires,” Sanders insisted. He advocated for policies that would ensure increased productivity benefits all, such as reducing the workweek from 40 to 32 hours.
Stewart and Sanders agreed that the government must use its leverage to fight corruption and ensure public contracts serve the common good, not just corporate interests. Sanders highlighted the Pentagon’s lack of accountability, noting its failure to pass an audit despite receiving massive funding.
A Call to Action
Sanders concluded with a call for continued activism, emphasizing that real change requires involvement from ordinary Americans. “We need all of you to be involved in this process. It’s got to be a bottom-on-up revolution, not a top down.”
He expressed hope that a new generation of leaders—like Zohran Mamdani in New York—would have the courage to take on the oligarchs and stand with the working class.
The Fight Continues
Bernie Sanders’ message is clear: the energy of the “No Kings” rallies must be harnessed to build a movement that fights oligarchy, delivers universal healthcare and affordable housing, and makes government work for the people. His new book, *Fight Oligarchy*, lays out the roadmap for this revolution—one that begins not in the halls of power, but in communities across America.
