Thousands 'Feel the Bern' at Bernie Sanders rally in Irvine

Monday, May 23, 2016
Thousands 'Feel the Bern' at Bernie Sanders rally in Irvine
Thousands 'Feel the Bern' at a rally for Democratic presidential candidate hopeful Bernie Sanders during a rally at the Irvine Meadows Amphitheater.

IRVINE, Calif. (KABC) -- Thousands gathered to hear Democratic presidential nomination hopeful Bernie Sanders' message in Irvine on Sunday.

The Vermont senator stood before a full house at the Irvine Meadows Amphitheater to thunderous cheers from his supporters.

"It will be our campaign that defeats Donald trump," Sanders exclaimed.

Sanders addressed many of the issues he's campaigned on, including comprehensive immigration reform, the disparity of wealth in America, and the cost of higher education.

To lower unemployment, Sanders said would implement a massive federal jobs program fixing roads, bridges, and water systems.

"We can put 13 million Americans back to work at good wages by rebuilding that infrastructure," Sanders said.

He voted for the Affordable Healthcare Act, but said more needs to be done.

"Many of you are underinsured with high deductibles and high co-payments," he said.

Many supporters ABC7 talked to said Sanders had their vote because he won't take corporate donations, and they shared his vision of social and economic justice.

"He is the leader with the courage, the political courage to make bold changes in America that are still needed right now," Garden Grove Mayor Bao Nguyen said.

Californians head to the polls on June 7 and there will be 437 delegates at stake in the Democratic primary. Sanders is counting on a record-setting turnout.

"Tell the world you're going to lead us into the political revolution," Sanders said.

Sanders was scheduled to host an event in Lincoln Heights at 9 a.m. on Monday. Following that event, Sanders was scheduled to head to Santa Monica High School at 4 p.m.