Thousands Rally in DC to Counter Tea Party

Labor unions, civil rights groups organize 'One Nation' event
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Oct 2, 2010 2:01 PM CDT
Thousands Rally in DC to Counter Tea Party
Activists gather at the Lincoln Memorial to participate in the "One Nation Working Together" rally.   (J. Scott Applewhite)

Left-leaning supporters staged a rally of their own in Washington today. Tens of thousands of progressives gathered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial for the "One Nation Working Together" rally, reports the Washington Post. The goal of the event—organized by groups including the NAACP and the AFL-CIO—is to counter the rallies held by tea partiers of late and to gin up support among Democrats a month before the midterm elections, says the Post.

"This is a defining moment in America," MSNBC host Ed Schultz told the crowd. "Are you American? This is no time to back down." He borrowed a sentiment from Glenn Beck, who conducted a DC rally of his own last month, and urged the crowd to "take back our country." Except Schultz blamed Republicans and big corporations, notes AP. (More progressives stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X