Bernie Sanders holds rally in Tulsa, weighs in on Iran conflict

Vermont Senator and former presidential candidate Bernie Sanders was in Tulsa on Saturday as part of a nationwide tour. It's called the "Fighting Oligarchy" tour. News On 6 was at the event and spoke to attendees.

One week after the No King's March came to Tulsa to voice disagreements with the Trump administration, Bernie Sanders was in town to offer his take on how to move forward.

"Maybe not as exciting as the NBA finals, but maybe more important," said Sanders during the event.

Dubbed the "Fight Oligarchy" tour, the Vermont senator is traveling the country with different guest speakers to get his message out to both supporters and those who might disagree with him. 

Sanders won the Oklahoma Democratic Primary in 2016 and came second to then-former Vice President Joe Biden in 2020. But President Trump won all seventy-seven counties in Oklahoma each time he ran in the general election. Sanders says it's still important to visit red states.

"In a nation where people try to divide us up in every which way, I do not accept the concept of blue states or red states," said Sanders.

Ten years since he first gained national headlines, Sanders' supporters are still enthusiastic.

"Our votes matter. We as people matter. Corporations are not people. And I think Bernie, he's been consistent about that for thirty years," said Ben Johnson.

Sanders says part of the reason he's visiting states like Oklahoma is to urge Republican lawmakers to vote no on President Trump's reconciliation package. He says the bill does not benefit working families.

"We will not accept horrific attacks on the working class of this country or legislation that gives massive tax breaks to millionaires and cuts back on the basic needs that working families depend on," said Sanders.

His supporters say they agree they'd like to see changes in Washington.

"I'd like to see our current president removed from office. I'd like to hear how [Sanders] thinks that could be accomplished," said Brian Walker.

Sanders also spoke out against United States military intervention in Iran, just as President Trump announced strikes on three targets in the country.

"There are a number of members of Congress who know better, but are afraid to stand up and say what I believe needs to be said. We will not go to war against Iran," said Sanders.

Sanders was in Texas on Sunday as part of the Fight Oligarchy tour. Former congressman Beto O'Rourke joined him at those events.