Bernie comes to Sioux City

by Hailey Barrus – United States Presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders was at the Sioux City Convention Center on January 26. Sanders, along with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and filmmaker Michael Moore, were doing some last-minute rallying before the caucuses that take place in Iowa during the first week of February.

With standing room only, the rally started with a performance by Portugal, The Man who, at the end of their set, gave tribute to the Sioux City Winnebago tribes. John Gourley, the band’s lead singer, spoke of the importance of giving back to indigenous people and the band’s support for Sanders’ Campaign.

Following the band, Michael Moore took over the stage before introducing U.S. House of Representative’s Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to the stage. Ocasio-Cortez has continually shown her support for Sanders throughout his 2020 campaign, and has traveled with him throughout Iowa. She credits her own political success to Senator Sanders for igniting a spark in her back in his 2016 campaign.

Ocasio-Cortez, one of the most outspoken representatives against President Trump, spoke of fighting for the Americans that cannot fight for themselves.

“As Americans we need to fight for those that we don’t know. We as Americans need to fight for the underclass. Fight for the Walmart workers. Fight for the unjustly targeted and incarcerated. Americans need to stand up to powerful hateful rhetoric,” Cortez proclaimed. 

Before introducing Senator Sanders, Cortez ended her speech by speaking of the importance of expanding the electorate in this election and how crucial it is to win not only the Democratic election but the Presidential election as well.

Sanders (I), U.S. Senator of Vermont, then took the stage and commanded the room with his initiatives and what he would do if he took the oval office in 2021.

Sanders spoke of the importance of affordable healthcare for all Americans, justice for those wrongfully incarcerated, and alleviating college students from student debt.

“We are prepared to stand up to the corporations and the elite that are dictating too many decisions in this nation. My purpose and my campaign is to get the United States back to one person, one vote,” Sanders said.

Travis Turner, a Sanders supporter who attended the rally, said, “Seeing Bernie gain so much momentum going into the caucus season is very hopeful. His supporters show passion and are dedicated to his campaign.” Turner continued, “He will not only hold the Republicans accountable but will whip the Democrats into shape, which is what this country needs.”

Sanders left the convention center with a packed house and the crowd chanting “Feel the Bern.”  The presidential hopeful is currently leading the polls in Iowa, closely followed by Buttigieg and Biden in the Democratic race. Iowa, being the first state to caucus, has their caucus date set for February 3.

Photos by Abby Koch