Sen. Bernie Sanders held several events in West Virginia last weekend as part of his “Fighting Oligarchy Tour,” attracting significant crowds despite the state’s strong Republican leanings. Speaking in Wheeling, Charleston, and Lenore, Sanders contended that Democrats have lost the state, emphasizing that working-class voters are seeking alternatives to the prevailing Republican policies, particularly criticizing Medicaid and SNAP cuts to benefit the wealthy.
Republicans, however, downplayed Sanders’ popularity, noting a significant rise in registered Republicans in the state and suggesting that the Democratic base is shrinking. They mocked Sanders, a “millionaire socialist,” for his approach to economic issues, particularly around green energy policies. Local Democrats praised Sanders for engaging directly with constituents, highlighting his town hall meetings as a contrast to the Republican delegation’s lack of engagement.
