With the California primary quickly approaching, all of the presidential hopefuls have been making campaign stops in the Golden State. On Tuesday, May 24, Bernie Sanders hit three spots in California in just one day! For most of the 2016 election, I have been drawn to Sanders’ ideas without being overly outspoken about supporting him. So, in order to confirm my already budding support, I thought it would be a unique experience to attend one of his rallies.
I decided to attend the rally in Riverside, California. Due to the popularity of his other rallies, I arrived about two hours before the doors opened. By the time I got there, the line was already stretching down an entire block. After I found my place at the end of the line, people continually joined the line until it ultimately stretched three blocks! Many people seemed to be with friends or family and the overall atmosphere was cheerful and excited. Vendors walked up and down the line with Bernie T-shirts, buttons and hats, and many photographers were snapping photos of the line.
The waiting was tedious, but arriving early was definitely worth it. This particular venue did not have true seats and was much more of a standard general admission in which there is a large standing area in front of the stage. I was not particularly thrilled with this set-up as I am on the shorter side, but I had a clear view of the stage and the podium. Again, I was happily surprised with the demeanor of the people in the crowd. Everyone was friendly and clearly happy to be there. I was especially grateful for the conversational people around me as I had attended the rally by myself. The crowd was also teeming with energy as we awaited Sanders’ arrival.
Unfortunately, the part of the rally that disappointed me the most was how long we had to wait for it to begin. The doors opened at noon, but Sanders did not take the stage until 3:45. However, the crowd found ways to pass the time with chants of “Bernie Sanders!” “We want Bernie,” and -- my personal favorite -- “What does democracy look like? This is what democracy looks like!” The crowd was something to see. People of all ages, ranging from children to elderly women in wheel chairs, and all ethnicities were present. Members of the California Teachers Association and retired war veterans also comprised part of the crowd. The diversity of the crowd served as a testament to the wide appeal of Sanders’ campaign.
After three hours, Sanders took the stage to thunderous applause and cheering. At first my view was partially blocked by excited sign-waving and frantic iPhone videos and photos, but I shortly found a good spot. I will admit that I was quickly swept up in the contagious excitement.
Sanders covered many topics important to his campaign. His recurring theme was how his campaign was different from the other candidates. He focused on topics including women’s rights, veteran’s rights, raising the minimum wage, reducing tuition at public universities and the importance of protecting the environment. Almost every major statement was followed by approving applause and cheers -- the crowd was hanging on to his every word. I found it difficult to even attempt to draw my attention away from Sanders.
What I took away most from this experience was the devotion of Sanders supporters. Everyone there clearly cared about his campaign and were incredibly welcoming and uplifting. There was never any negativity. I also learned more about the man that I plan to vote for. Hearing about his stance on issues, in person, has ultimately solidified my vote. It is rallies like these that bridge the gap between candidate and voter and their importance cannot be overstated.
His rally almost felt personal, as if he were talking individually with each and every one of us. He even went down to the overflow room to address the people who could not watch the rally in person! After five hours of standing, sore feet, back, knee and hip pain, I feel more involved in the political process than ever. Whichever candidate you support, I urge you to get involved, even if it is just attending a rally.
