Asheville, NC, August 11, 2025
News Summary
Senator Bernie Sanders visited Asheville as part of his ‘Fighting Oligarchy’ tour, emphasizing the need for unity against economic inequality. The rally at ExploreAsheville.com Arena drew enthusiastic supporters who endorsed his calls for healthcare reform, education accessibility, and campaign finance changes. Sanders highlighted systemic issues facing Americans and encouraged collective action to create a government that serves all citizens.
Asheville Hosts Senator Bernie Sanders on ‘Fighting Oligarchy’ Tour
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) made a stop in Asheville on his “Fighting Oligarchy: Where We Go From Here” tour, marking his first tour since the passage of the significant “Big Beautiful Bill.” The rally occurred at the ExploreAsheville.com Arena at Harrah’s Cherokee Center and followed an earlier visit to Greensboro.
During the rally, Sanders emphasized the need for collective action against what he describes as oligarchy in the United States. He called for unity among the public to assert that the country belongs to everyone and not just a select few wealthy individuals. The event attracted a crowd that expressed strong support for Sanders, with attendees referring to him as “the voice of the people.” Many praised his long-standing commitment to addressing economic inequalities.
A Spartanburg resident noted Sanders’ history of opposing detrimental political and economic decisions, specifically since the early 1970s. An Asheville local reinforced the sentiment that Sanders genuinely prioritizes the wellbeing of the populace.
Sanders used the platform to level criticisms at former President Trump’s administration, specifically regarding issues related to healthcare and wealth distribution. He highlighted the ongoing challenges within the healthcare system, noting that approximately 85 million Americans remain uninsured or underinsured. Additionally, he pointed out that many older workers approach retirement with minimal savings, emphasizing a need for systemic reform.
Advocating for universal access to education and healthcare, Sanders called for measures such as free public college education and comprehensive healthcare for all. He also pushed for the expansion of Social Security to ensure greater financial security for the aging population.
Further advancing his agenda, Sanders suggested an end to U.S. government funding for Israel and insisted on the necessity of publicly funded political campaigns to enhance democratic processes. He reiterated the importance of overturning the Citizens United Supreme Court decision, which he believes undermines democracy by allowing unchecked political spending by wealthy individuals and corporations.
Despite the political landscape that points towards the upcoming 2026 Senate race—which features candidates like Roy Cooper and Michael Whatley—Sanders chose to focus on his broader message of fighting against oligarchy and authoritarianism, rather than discussing specific electoral contests. He concluded the rally by encouraging unity among his supporters to achieve a government that represents the interests of all citizens.
Background Context
Senator Bernie Sanders has been a long-time advocate for issues surrounding economic justice, healthcare reform, and political campaign financing. His tours aim to galvanize public support for his progressive agenda. The “Fighting Oligarchy” tour reflects his ongoing commitment to addressing systemic inequalities and mobilizing grassroots activism.
Key Issues Raised During the Tour
- Healthcare access for all with emphasis on insurance reform.
- Free public college education to reduce the burden of student debt.
- Expansion of Social Security to support the elderly.
- Public funding of political campaigns for fairer elections.
- Overturning the Citizens United decision to restore democratic integrity.
FAQs
What is the “Fighting Oligarchy” tour about?
The “Fighting Oligarchy” tour is aimed at addressing economic inequality and advocating for progressive policies that prioritize the interests of the general public over the wealthy elite.
What key issues did Sanders highlight at the Asheville rally?
During the rally, Sanders emphasized the need for healthcare reform, accessible education, the expansion of Social Security, public campaign financing, and the overturning of the Citizens United decision.
What did attendees think of Sanders’ message?
Attendees expressed strong support for Sanders, calling him “the voice of the people” and praising his long-standing commitment to social and economic issues.
Key Features of the Rally
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | ExploreAsheville.com Arena at Harrah’s Cherokee Center |
| Purpose | Rally against oligarchy and advocate for progressive change |
| Key Messages | Healthcare for all, free public college, campaign finance reform |
| Public Support | Crowds expressing admiration and support for Sanders’ views |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Bernie Sanders to Host Rally in Asheville
Asheville Weekend Events: Arts, Music, and Water Activities
Asheville to Host Bernie Sanders for ‘Fighting Oligarchy’ Tour
Record-Breaking Rally in Los Angeles: Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez Unite
Additional Resources
- WLOS: Bernie Sanders Visits Asheville
- Mountain X: In Photos – Bernie Sanders Speaks in Asheville
- WRAL: Bernie Sanders to Visit North Carolina
- 828 News Now: Sanders Delivers Fiery Speeches
- Wikipedia: Bernie Sanders
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
