AMHERST ‒ U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., renewed his call for a "political revolution"and touted proposals like a higher minimum wage and lower incarceration rates as his 2016 Democratic presidential campaign swung through western Massachusetts Saturday.

Speaking to just under 1,900 supporters who crowded the University of Massachusetts Amherst's Fine Arts Center for an afternoon rally, Sanders made his case for "breaking up" Wall Street banks, investing in youth jobs and education, reexamining the "war on drugs" and paid family medical leave, among other things. He also briefly addressed at least 1,500 other supporters, who gathered outside the venue before the rally.

The Vermont senator, who touted his campaign's fundraising successes and policy platforms in a speech spanning more than one hour, blasted Republicans' stance on the economy and so-called "family values". He particularly took issue with GOP presidential front-runner Donald Trump after a supporter of the businessman began heckling him.

"I say to Mr. Trump and his supporters, that the billionaires of this country will not continue to own this nation," he said.

Sanders, whose remarks largely echoed those made during an early October stop in Springfield, further took aim at the financial system regulations and Wall Street.

"You have a situation today where not only are large banks too big to fail, but the bankers themselves are too big to jail," he told supporters. "How about a criminal justice system that treats everyone regardless of the personal wealth and power equally."

If elected president, he said he would break up large banks and tax Wall Street speculation to help pay for his free public higher education and student loan proposals.

The Vermont senator also laid out his plan to change the federal penalties associated with marijuana so that people who use the drug, which is legal in some states, are not jailed or given criminal records.

Sanders stressed that his White House run isn't just about electing a president, but rather transforming the country. He, however, said he needs support to bring real change if he wins in 2016.

"The last thing that I want to do is be a president who does not accomplish what needs to happen," the Democratic hopeful said. "I cannot do it alone. I need your help, not just in the campaign, I need your help the day after the election and year after year after year."

The Vermont senator told supporters to not tell him or themselves that health care cannot be guaranteed for all Americans as a right, that the U.S. cannot successfully lead the world in transforming the energy system and that America cannot have a great childcare and pre-k system.

"If you're ready to wage a political revolution, if you're ready to do that please bring out your friends, your families, get those people who have become cynical to get reinvolved in the political struggle," he said. "We're going to win here in Massachusetts and we're going to win this election."

Following the UMass event, Sanders traveled east for another campaign rally in Worcester. His campaign is expected to open up an office in Springfield this month.