Show of support for Sanders
Hundreds of the candidate’s backers take to streets of L.A.
Several hundred Bernie Sanders supporters marched through downtown Los Angeles on Saturday afternoon, an event that culminated in a rally on the steps of City Hall.
The procession marched 10 blocks, starting at Olympic Boulevard and Main Street, with backers of Sanders gathering on the lawn of City Hall to hear speakers and music in support of the Democratic presidential candidate. Sanders did not attend the rally. He was a guest at the White House Correspondents Assn. dinner in Washington.
The march was among a series of political rallies and labor protests downtown this weekend. On Saturday, thousands of unionized janitors took to the streets of downtown to demand higher wages and expanded rights. On Sunday, thousands of people are expected downtown for May Day demonstrations for immigrant rights and improved working conditions and pay.
At City Hall, backers of the Vermont senator listened to musicians perform a song with the chorus “In 2016, it’s Bernie or bust!” and visited booths where they could meet their delegates.
Kelly Brinn, 38, of L.A. said Sanders’ willingness to stand up to corporate interests and take on the big banks inspired her. His plan for free college for all resonated with her.
“It can be paid for if our tax dollars are properly allocated,” she said.
Marla Stone, a professor of European history at Occidental College, marched with her husband and 14year-old daughter. Stone said Sanders is the first candidate to make a moral argument for economic justice and put forth a plan that could lead to a robust middle class like America once had.
“It’s not a fantasy,” she said. “We can do better — we were better.”