Senator Bernie Sanders, speaking to a crowd in rural Vernon County, criticized the current government as one “of the billionaire class, by the billionaire class, and for the billionaire class,” drawing a contrast to Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. He emphasized that Americans will not accept oligarchy or authoritarianism. Sanders highlighted the need to advocate for progressive issues, stating, “Health care is a human right, not a privilege,” and questioned why the U.S. is the only major country without universal healthcare.
He addressed various topics including wage inequality, immigration reforms, and the push for free college education. During Q&A, Sanders encouraged grassroots political involvement, stating that local candidates should emerge from their communities rather than relying on prominent figures.
Rebecca Cooke, a Congressional candidate attending the event, echoed Sanders’ sentiments about community organizing and engaging voters around relevant local issues. She voiced a commitment to expanding healthcare access and empowering workers.
The event, part of Sanders’ campaign tour across the Upper Midwest, drew criticism from Republican spokesperson Zach Bannon, who described it as a “pathetic circus act” that demonstrated Cooke’s radical agenda is out of touch with the region.
