Staff Reports
Idaho, a state known for its deep-rooted conservative values and overwhelming support for President Trump in the last election, recently found itself in the national spotlight as Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez brought their “Fighting Oligarchy” tour to Nampa. The event, which filled the Ford Idaho Center, was touted by the left as a sign of growing progressive momentum in so-called “red states.” Yet, a closer look reveals that these rallies are less about winning hearts and minds in conservative America and more about energizing a disillusioned Democratic base that has struggled to find its footing since Trump’s decisive victory.
Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez, both icons of the far left, used the Idaho stage to rail against what they call “Trumpism” and the supposed dangers of oligarchy. Their speeches were filled with the usual progressive talking points: attacks on billionaires, calls for universal healthcare, and accusations that President Trump is steering the country toward authoritarianism. Ocasio-Cortez even went so far as to accuse Trump of criminality and market manipulation, echoing the kind of rhetoric that has become all too common among Democrats desperate to regain relevance. But for all the fiery language, the reality is that these ideas have little traction among Idahoans, who have consistently rejected the left’s big-government agenda.
The left-wing media has been quick to highlight the size of the crowds at these rallies, suggesting that a political sea change may be underway in conservative strongholds. However, it’s important to remember that turnout at a free rally is not the same as winning votes at the ballot box. Idaho remains a state where Republican values—limited government, personal responsibility, and support for law enforcement—resonate far more deeply than the socialist policies peddled by Sanders and AOC. The fact that the number of rally attendees exceeded the number of registered Democrats in the county only underscores how out of touch the Democratic Party is with the broader electorate in states like Idaho.
Meanwhile, the political conversation has also turned to figures like Stephen A. Smith, the outspoken sports commentator who has flirted with the idea of a presidential run. Smith’s musings about entering politics are a testament to the current state of the Democratic Party: lacking in leadership and desperate for a charismatic figure who can capture the public’s attention. While Smith’s name recognition may earn him headlines, it’s unlikely that his brand of celebrity politics will resonate with voters who are looking for substance over style—something President Trump has consistently delivered by putting America first and standing up to the political establishment.
Ultimately, the Sanders-AOC tour is a reminder of the left’s ongoing struggle to connect with everyday Americans outside of their urban strongholds. While progressives may draw crowds and generate headlines, their message remains fundamentally at odds with the values of conservative America. Republicans would do well to stay focused on the issues that matter—economic growth, border security, and protecting individual freedoms—rather than being distracted by the spectacle of left-wing rallies. The road to victory in 2026 and beyond runs through the heartland, and it’s clear that the conservative message is still the one that resonates most powerfully with the American people.
