Bernie Sanders Rallies Thousands in Maine, New Hampshire Against Oligarchy

Senator Bernie Sanders held a series of Labor Day rallies in Maine and New Hampshire as part of his nationwide "Fighting Oligarchy" tour, drawing thousands of supporters to advocate for workers' rights and progressive policies. At a Portland rally attended by about 6,500 people, Sanders endorsed Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner and gubernatorial candidate Troy Jackson, both of whom emphasize putting workers first and challenging the billionaire-influenced political system. Sanders characterized the current moment in American history as "dangerous," asserting that the country is effectively an oligarchy controlled by a handful of billionaires, and called for a grassroots movement focused on wages, healthcare, and corporate power. Similar themes were echoed at a Concord rally, where Sanders and Congressman Ro Khanna urged the crowd to demand economic equality, fair taxation for billionaires, and protection of social programs. Platner, a political outsider and veteran, has gained attention for his populist platform including Medicare for All and recognizing the Gaza war as genocide, signaling a challenge to establishment Democrats. The rallies reflect growing frustration with centrist Democratic leadership and a push for a more progressive, worker-centered government under President Donald Trump's administration.