LAWTON – Thousands of tribal members and area residents tolerated the swings of Oklahoma weather to listen to Vermont Senator and presidential candidate Bernie Sanders.
LAWTON – Thousands of tribal members and area residents tolerated the swings of Oklahoma weather to listen to Vermont Senator and presidential candidate Bernie Sanders.
Sanders took a break from campaigning in Iowa to attend two rallies in Oklahoma on Sunday, Sept. 23, 2019. The first rally was held in Norman and most estimates number the crowd at approximately 4,000.
Sanders later attended the 28th Annual Comanche Nation Fair in Lawton on Sunday, Sept. 23, 2019. Official estimates were not available for the Comanche Nation event, but the closest source to the tribe stated that the crowd was “well into thousands.”
“You are standing on allotted land,” explained Tribal Chairman Willie Nelson as he introduced Sanders. Nelson concluded his remarks by saying, “We welcome any candidate running for President.”
Sanders’ comments were brief but poignant to many in the crowd. He spoke on familiar topics including healthcare, the environment, education, and criminal justice reform. However, his comments regarding Native American culture and history received some of the largest applause and praise. Sanders recognized the tribe for their leadership on protecting the environment and fighting global warming saying, “You have taught us that, as human beings, we are part of nature and we cannot destroy nature and survive.”
Sanders went on to tell the crowd, “You have enriched the American people. You have educated the American people.” He added, “You have a right to be a part of the decision making.” Lawton resident Cody Lightfoot who enthusiastically said he was registered to vote stated, “I expected a smaller crowd. After reading comments on Facebook I am surprised by the turnout and support for Bernie.”
Oklahoma is by all accounts considered safe for President Trump. The last time the majority of voters in Oklahoma voted for a Democratic candidate was the 1974 contest between President Lyndon Johnson and Republican nominee Barry Goldwater. Yet, the trip to Oklahoma might have been a strategic move towards winning the Oklahoma Democratic Primary when the state joins 13 others including Texas on Super Tuesday, March 3, 2020.
In the 2016 Oklahoma primaries, Sanders outperformed both Democratic candidates Hillary Clinton and Republican candidate Donald Trump. Sanders won the Oklahoma Democratic Primary with 174,228 votes compared to the eventual Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton’s 139,443 votes.
Ted Cruz carried Oklahoma with 158,078 votes, some 28,000 more than the eventual Republican nominee and President, Donald Trump. Oklahoma’s 43 delegates, 37 of which are pledged, would play a small part in helping Sanders secure the nomination this cycle. But according to one staffer, events like this help promote the image and profile of the candidate.
There is a little over four months until the Iowa Caucus on Feb. 3, 2020. Candidates have to continue to outpace, out-fundraised and out host their opponents. From the rare chance to see a presidential candidate to want to show their support, it seemed people had their own motives for attending the event. For many in the crowd, this was their first time to see a presidential candidate in person.
Elgin resident and school teacher Steven Biles said this was the first time he had seen a presidential candidate in person. Biles expressed his gratitude for the tribe hosting the event and said he hopes it “gives the tribe a spotlight on the national stage.” Sporting signs from Sanders’ 2016 campaign he added, “We do like the candidate. A lot of his ideas make sense.”
Sterling resident Chris Sovo was less enthusiastic about Sanders saying, “I am not a fan and I am not voting for him.” He went on to say, “But he is a presidential candidate and deserves respect for coming out here. None of the other candidates have come out here” He added, “this is good for the tribe and good for the area.” In his final remarks, Sanders said, “I do not believe that I’ve been to anything as beautiful and as moving as this event.”