Sanders delivers populist message in Reno

Update, 8:20 p.m.

When Sen. Bernie Sanders took the stage at 7 p.m., he delivered a populist message that has become synonymous with his campaign to a crowd of 4,500.

Sanders called for free public college tuition, universal healthcare, paid parental leave, criminal justice reform and campaign finance reform amongst a plethora of other ideas he’s become famous for championing. The senator also called for a trillion dollar infrastructure rebuilding program he said would create 13 million jobs.

Sanders was critical of the “politics as usual” model, especially Republicans who he said are encumbered to large donors and super PACs.

“When we stand together as one people – they can have all of the money and all of the power – but when people stand together, we win.”

He was especially critical of the Koch Brothers – Charles and David, the Kansas billionaires and megadonors for the Republicans – who he said were expected to spend more than either political party at $900 million.

“The campaign contributors are so powerful that no president – not the best – can do it alone, unless millions of people stand up and loudly proclaim that this country and our government belong to us and not just a handful of billionaires.”

Meanwhile the crowd remained fervent the entire time, waving “Bernie” signs and chanting his name between his points.

“He is the hope we haven’t had in the last 40 years,” said Romayne Chamberlain, 63, of Reno. “I love his energy and I love the fact that with the issues he is right on target.”

Update, 6:58 p.m.

Young people make up much of the crowd at the Bernie Sanders presidential rally in Reno on the campus at the University of Nevada, Reno. One of those young people was Lesly Neves of Reno.

“He encapsulates every idea I believe that a leader of any nation should have,” said Neves, 18.

Patrick McQuillan, 55, who works for United Blood Services, said he was a Bernie Sanders fan.

“Bernie doesn’t have any billionaires,” McQuillan said. “He only has us and we are the ones who stand behind him and we are the ones who are really affected by the decisions idiot Republicans make, people like Jeb Bush and people like Scott Walker.”

Update, 6:48 p.m.

David Gibson of Reno has spent his time awaiting presidential candidate Bernie Sanders by counting the crowd.

“I counted and there are about 300 on the parking structure behind us. And looking over here, there got to be 3,000 or 5,000 here,” Gibson said.

Gibson said he is a Sanders supporter.

“I think his chances of winning the nomination are good,” Gibson said. “People that are further to the left are all supporting Bernie and people who are further to the right are looking at Donald Trump and the whole circus that is going with the Republicans.”

Update, 6:34 p.m.

The Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign rally at the University of Nevada, Reno has drawn a large crowd.

By 5:30 p.m. there were already 500 people on the lawn in front of the Joe Crowley Student Union, where the event is taking place, By 6 p.m., that number had swelled to 1,500 and was steadily growing.

Sanders is expected to speak at 7 p.m.

People also had a great vantage point watching the stage from the Whalen Parking Garage. By 6:30 p.m. all four stories of the parking structure were packed with people awaiting Sanders.

This is Sanders’ first appearance in Reno. His campaign has been drawing large crowds across the nation.

Many of the crowd appeared to be younger than 30 although people of all ages could be seen in attendance.

The crowd was chanting “Bernie” then “Sanders” while awaiting the candidates. Signs in the audience included “Hookers for Hillary” and “#FeelTheBern.”

Initial post

Democratic presidential candidate, Sen Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who has been attracting large crowds during the early campaign season, will make his first visit to Reno on Tuesday at a rally at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Also, GOP presidential candidate, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., will hold a rally in Reno on Aug. 31 before making appearances in Carson City, Yerington and Fallon on Sept. 1.

RALLY INFORMATION:

BERNIE SANDERS

Tuesday night’s rally will be held at the Joe Crowley Student Union, Gateway Plaza, 1664 N. Virginia St., Reno. It begins at 7 p.m. Sanders will be in Las Vegas earlier Tuesday.

Event Link: https://go.berniesanders.com/page/event/detail/rally/4jlg8

MARCO RUBIO

Aug. 31

6:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. – Reno Rally at the Peppermill, Tuscany Room. Doors open at 5:45 p.m.

Event Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rubio-rally-in-reno-tickets-18159006076

Sept. 1

10–11 a.m. – Carson City Meet and Greet at the Community Center, 851 E. William Street. Doors open at 9:15 a.m.

Event Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rubio-meet-and-greet-carson-city-tickets-18159228742

2-3 p.m. – Yerington Meet and Greet at Pioneer Crossing, 11 N. Main Street. Doors open at 1:30 p.m.

Event Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rubio-meet-and-greet-yerington-tickets-18159275883

5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. – Fallon Meet and Greet at the Convention Center, 100 Campus Way. Doors open at 4:45pm

Event Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rubio-meet-and-greet-fallon-tickets-18159300958