Appalachian Democrats, Independents Seek New Direction

Thousands rallied to hear Sen. Bernie Sanders in weekend rallies, as he urged unity and grassroots activism to fight the influence of the wealthy in politics.
Appalachian Democrats, Independents Seek New Direction
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) addresses an audience at the Fighting Oligarchy Tour in Asheville, N.C., on Aug. 10, 2025 Lawrence Wilson/The Epoch Times
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ASHEVILLE, N.C.—Left-leaning voters in the western parts of North Carolina and West Virginia rallied to Sen. Bernie Sanders’s (I-Vt.) “Fighting Oligarchy Tour” Aug. 8–10, with many looking for change and effective leadership.

The tour comes at a time when the Democratic party appears to be yearning for a standard bearer, both to carry on the fight against President Donald Trump’s second-term agenda and deal with a growing rift between the moderate and progressive wings of the party.