June 23, 2025

Bernie Sanders Visits Shreveport on ‘Fighting Oligarchy’ Tour

News Summary

Senator Bernie Sanders energized a diverse crowd at the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium during his ‘Fighting Oligarchy’ tour. The event featured discussions on healthcare, education, and the significant impact of proposed legislation on everyday Americans. Concerns were raised about the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill,’ which could severely cut Medicaid and healthcare funding in Louisiana. Sanders called for public activism and grassroots unity to challenge the influence of wealth in politics and advocated for universal healthcare as a human right.

Shreveport Hosts Senator Bernie Sanders on “Fighting Oligarchy” Tour

Shreveport, Louisiana – Senator Bernie Sanders drew a crowd at the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium on June 21, 2025, during his “Fighting Oligarchy” tour. The event, attended by a diverse audience, was marked by discussions centered around healthcare, education, and the impacts of legislation on the everyday lives of Americans.

Opening the event was former Shreveport City Councilwoman LeVette Fuller, who described Shreveport as a “blue city in a ruby-red state.” She voiced concerns regarding the House reconciliation bill known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” labeling it as detrimental to Louisiana’s interests. Attendees shared personal accounts of rising healthcare costs, emphasizing the real-life challenges families face amidst legislative changes.

Activist Gary Chambers underscored the importance of public activism in demanding justice, expressing criticism towards both the Republican Party and local Democratic officials for failing to adequately address constituents’ grievances. Sanders began his remarks by acknowledging a billboard that criticized his presence in Shreveport, positioning the need for a collective challenge against legislative efforts that undermine public welfare.

Concerns Over “One Big Beautiful Bill”

Senator Sanders focused on the implications of the House’s reconciliation bill, claiming it primarily serves the wealthy while jeopardizing crucial healthcare programs. He stated that the bill could result in over $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, potentially leaving 16 million Americans without insurance. In Louisiana, where 35% of residents depend on Medicaid, Sanders warned that these cuts could cost the state up to $4 billion, adversely affecting rural hospitals and exacerbating existing healthcare disparities.

Sanders reiterated the principle of universal healthcare as a human right and highlighted a projected $350 billion reduction in education funding, which would negatively impact nutrition programs for vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly. He challenged moral arguments that support tax breaks for the wealthy while advocating cuts to assistance for those in need.

Calls for Unity and Grassroots Action

In a rallying cry against the reconciliation bill, Sanders urged attendees to unite in their call for transformative change that prioritizes the well-being of ordinary citizens rather than the interests of billionaires. The “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, which commenced in February 2025, aims to combat the overwhelming influence of wealth in American politics and has included 20 stops across 14 states.

Music also played a role in the event, with the indie band Sweet Crude performing, contributing to an atmosphere of unity and shared purpose. Attendees expressed strong agreement with Sanders’ positions, particularly on the need for equitable access to healthcare. Local resident Brad Hutchinson shared his own challenges related to family medical conditions, reinforcing the necessity of support for healthcare initiatives.

Engagement and Enthusiasm

Many individuals in the audience expressed their motivation to engage politically and support initiatives aimed at improving healthcare and education in Louisiana. While the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium can accommodate 3,200 people, the venue was not at full capacity, yet those present were predominantly supportive of Sanders’ message.

The discussions and sentiments shared at this event highlight the ongoing challenges faced by communities, particularly in relation to healthcare accessibility and education funding. Sanders’s advocacy for grassroots movements signals a push for changes that emerge from the community rather than solely from top-down decisions.

This stop in Shreveport demonstrates the senator’s ongoing commitment to addressing issues affecting everyday Americans and promoting a more equitable future.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER

The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, 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 Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.

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