Senator and former presidential candidate Bernie Sanders rallied thousands of Chicagoans Thursday, in support of mayoral Candidate Brandon Johnson.
At the University of Illinois Chicago’s Credit Union 1 Arena, Bernie Sanders fought to energize the youth of Chicago to participate in this election, who didn’t turn out in droves for the primary election in February. This event was titled “Chicago For All of Us.”
“This is going to be a close election. And the deciding factor will be voter turnout,” said Sanders.
Brandon’s opponent and the other side, they have a lot of money. That’s what always happens when you take on the establishment. They got a lot of power. But you know what we have? We have the people.
The Voting Data
A poll released this morning by NBC Chicago shows Vallas with a 4% lead ahead of the Cook County Commissioner. Only 3% of votes cast in the primary election were from voters between the ages of 18-24. Of the city of Chicago, 11% of the population is in that demographic. The rally hoped to bridge the gap between young people and the voting booth.
“Our job on Tuesday is to make sure that we have the largest voter turnout this city has ever seen,” said Sanders.
We together are going to make sure that Brandon Johnson is the next mayor of the city.
Rally Speakers
The rally started with a performance by rapper Vic Mensa. Then lead into speeches from Rep. Delilah Rameriez (IL-3), Martin Luther King III, Congressman Jonothan Jackson (IL-1), President of the American Federation of Teachers Randi Weingarten and finally ending with Bernie Sanders (VT).
All of those who spoke before Sanders urged the crowd to register to vote in the city and vote early.
Martin Luther King III’s Words
Martin Luther King III spoke of the importance of voting to change the city in the best way for the people.
“You happen to have an election on April 4. April 4 would be 55 years since my father was killed, but he’s going to be looking down on Chicago Tuesday to see what you do,” said King.
We have got to be very excited about Tuesday. Turnout is what’s going to determine this election.
Bernie Speaks
“Thank you, Chicago!” said Sanders upon reaching the podium. “I gotta say you look great! What a turnout!”
Sanders spoke of the massive crowd that filled the stadium, proclaiming that the crowd and the support for candidate Brandon Johnson were going to make him the next mayor of Chicago.
“Our job on Tuesday is to make sure we have the largest voter turnout this city has ever seen,” proclaimed Sanders.
“Which side are you on?” asked Sanders to the crowd.
Are you on the side of working people, or are you on the side of the speculators and billionaires? And I know which side Brandon is on.
This rally comes soon after a campaign disclosure found that a Super PAC with close ties to former Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos spent upwards of $60,000 on digital advertising supporting Paul Vallas.
Brandon Johnson
“Are you all ready to go to the fifth floor?” asked Johnson. “Then let’s go Chicago!”
Johnson began, speaking of the struggle between the self-proclaimed moderate Vallas’s campaign and his own. As well as speaking of the struggle of the working class, the teachers, and all of those who have been disenfranchised in the city of Chicago.
“This moment has been brought by a very long struggle. A struggle that many of our ancestors knew that one day tomorrow would come,” said Johnson.
And I just can’t help but feel that tomorrow has finally arrived. And those who saw this country for what it could become, and not what it was, understood that one day a dream would come alive. Our dream is the nightmare of these large corporations who do not want to see this day come into fruition.
Tomorrow is Chicago’s Mayoral Runoff election day. Will Chicago see Brandon Johnson on the fifth floor?
Written by Caroline Buehler
Sources:
Chicago For All of Us: Bernie Sanders and Brandon Johnson, March 30, 2023
Featured and Inset Images Courtesy of Caroline Buehler
