AOC, Sanders tell supporters to mask up for West Coast town halls

Bernie Sanders and AOC Take the "Fighting Oligarchy" Tour West, With Masks Advised for Attendees

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., are gearing up to bring their "Fighting Oligarchy" rally series to the Western United States next week, urging supporters to don masks while attending the events. The advisory has sparked curiosity and debate, especially as it comes five years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which introduced widespread mask mandates and social distancing measures. The RSVP page for the events in Denver and Las Vegas explicitly states, "Masks are advised for all attendees of this event," alongside other safety precautions such as prohibiting bags, signs, and firearms. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ended its travel mask mandate in April 2022, the agency still recommends masking in certain indoor settings and notes that individuals may choose to mask at any time.

Reactions to the Mask Advisory: Confusion and Speculation

The mask guidance has been met with a mix of confusion and skepticism, particularly on social media. A post shared by conservative podcaster Stephen L. Miller about the Denver event went viral, with many questioning why masks would be advised for an outdoor rally in 2025. Some commenters mocked the move as a lingering attempt to exploit "Covid panic politics," while others speculated that the masks are meant to conceal attendees’ identities, a tactic often used in protests to protect participants’ anonymity. However, Sanders’ events are not classified as protests but rather as campaign-style rallies, akin to the ones held recently in Michigan and Wisconsin, where thousands of supporters gathered to hear the progressive leaders speak.

Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez Expand Their "Fighting Oligarchy" Tour

Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez announced the Western leg of their tour in a recent social media video, promising to engage with "working people who are profoundly disgusted with what is going on in Washington, D.C." The pair plans to host town halls in Nevada, Arizona, and Colorado, focusing on issues like advancing healthcare, ensuring living wages, and combating corruption. Ocasio-Cortez emphasized the importance of public servants who "show up for you," while Sanders has repeatedly criticized the concentration of power and wealth in the hands of a few, a theme central to his "Fighting Oligarchy" message.

A Broader Context: Political Tactics and Controversy

The mask advisory and the "Fighting Oligarchy" tour itself are part of a larger political landscape marked by tension and strategy. Democrats, led by figures like Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez, are intensifying their efforts to engage with constituents in Republican-held districts, particularly after a series of disruptions at GOP town halls. The DNC, alongside other Democratic committees, has announced plans to host "People’s Town Halls" in all 50 states, starting with vulnerable GOP districts. DNC Chair Ken Martin accused Republicans of avoiding their constituents and criticized their support for the "Trump-Musk agenda," which he claims has betrayed voters. Meanwhile, the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) has dismissed the protests as "manufactured productions," with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and former President Donald Trump labeling the demonstrators as "paid troublemakers."

The Role of Masks in Political Protests and Events

While Sanders’ events are not explicitly protests, the inclusion of mask advisories has drawn comparisons to the broader use of masks in political activism. For instance, masks have been a common tool for protesters to protect their identities, as seen in recent pro-Palestine demonstrations at Columbia University. However, Sanders’ rallies are more akin to traditional campaign events, where supporters gather to hear speeches and show their support. The mask advisory may also reflect a cautious approach to public health, even as the CDC’s guidance on masking has become more relaxed. Still, some studies have called into question the effectiveness of masking in outdoor settings, further fueling the debate over its necessity at such events.

Looking Ahead: The "Fighting Oligarchy" Tour and Its Implications

As Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez prepare to take their message to the Western states, the "Fighting Oligarchy" tour represents more than just a series of speeches—it symbolizes a broader effort by progressives to mobilize voters and challenge the political status quo. The mask advisory, while controversial, underscores the enduring impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on public life and the ongoing debates over health measures, personal freedom, and political strategy. Whether the tour succeeds in galvanizing support or becomes a flashpoint for further division remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the intersection of politics, public health, and activism continues to shape the way leaders engage with the American people.