Despite the mainstream media’s repeated assertions that the Bernie Sanders movement is now a thing of the past, enthusiasm from his base only seems to be growing, based on the overwhelming number of people who flocked to his rally in Sacramento this Monday night.

This is what 21,000+ looks like at a Bernie Sanders rally in Sacramento #BernieInSacramento#FeelTheBern#bernie2016pic.twitter.com/RMK4aKK8NO

— Dave (@fastlife3o5) May 10, 2016

Supporters lined up for over four hours to see Senator Sanders outside Bonney Field — some of them even longer. The following video by Our Voice Media shows the massive scope of the line, as the videographers take several minutes to drive from one end of the line to the other.

21,000 people showed up to see @BernieSanders at his rally in Sacramento, CA today. #BernieInSacramentohttps://t.co/HoTxWEEJcK

— Our Voice Media (@OurVoiceMedia) May 10, 2016

Somewhere between 15,000 and 20,000 people were estimated to have been packed inside the stadium, with more than 10,000 more continuing to wait outside.

We’re gonna make alot of trouble for these billionaires. #BernieInSacramentopic.twitter.com/BAUzox7Q2t

— People For Bernie (@People4Bernie) May 10, 2016

15,000 at the field, 10,000 waiting to get in, and 2,000+ watching online…this is what democracy looks like. #BernieInSacramento

— Avatar Bernie (@jellibus878) May 10, 2016

The hashtag #BernieInSacramento quickly exploded onto the top trends on Twitter, and yet the mainstream national media once again chose to ignore the massive influx of support and unprecedented turnout. Only local outlets covered the rallies, and local Sacramento NBC affiliate KCRA-3 only attached the following picture to their article, obviously taken before the rally as people were still entering the field:

Compare the above photo to these photos during the actual rally taken by supporters and uploaded to social media:

Another view of one side of the @BernieSanders Sacramento rally. pic.twitter.com/BR85O8W3ut

— Danny Freeman (@DannyEFreeman) May 10, 2016

I can’t wait till the #CAPrimary so that Bernie shows Hillary who’s the boss… #BernieInSacramentopic.twitter.com/VsOQMxiUA2

— Big D (@World_Codes) May 10, 2016

Of course, Bernie supporters are growing used to operating in a total media blackout. Spirits at the rally remained high, however, as attendees cheerfully destroyed the white male “Bernie Bro” stereotype by flooding social media with pictures of Bernie supporters of every race, gender, and age displaying their patriotism together.

This campaign is fueled by small donors and smiles. We wouldn’t have it any other way #BernieInSacramentopic.twitter.com/b25ET2sVqU

— People For Bernie (@People4Bernie) May 10, 2016

17k in Sacto tonight and another 10K trying to get in! Bernie at home in #CaliforniaPrimary#BernieInSacramentopic.twitter.com/EMPc8JO2o9

— RoseAnn DeMoro (@RoseAnnDeMoro) May 10, 2016

I’ve never felt more patriotic than I did rn singing the national anthem with thousands of Bernie supporters #BernieInSacramento ????????

— Samantha (@SweetSam_Love17) May 10, 2016

You just got to feel the bern! Merica!!!#feelthebern#BernieInSacramentopic.twitter.com/JhiXidrEqo

— Stephanie Rodriguez (@stephnoerod) May 10, 2016

So cool to see black,asian,hispanic,families young and old; cheer for #BernieInSacramento
All with a single cause #VoteBernie

— Miles (@milehigha9) May 10, 2016

“You got to fight to the end,” said Kathy Dennis, a member of the National Nurses Union, one of the largest and most passionate groups supporting Bernie Sanders. “And Bernie’s creating a bigger movement than just a nomination for the presidency. People are becoming active — feeling like maybe they can change the political climate of this country.”

The media’s strategy of ignoring the Sanders movement until it goes away is clearly failing miserably. Enthusiasm for Sanders was expected to dwindle as his prospects for the nomination became less encouraging, yet people are still showing up for Bernie by the tens of thousands wherever he goes.

Regardless of whether he secures the Democratic nomination, he has unquestionably sparked the passion of millions of Americans who will no longer give up on their values just because the two party system forces them to.

No matter the outcome, America will likely be feeling the Bern for years to come.

#BernieInSacramento this is not over folks pic.twitter.com/wnYMFw0ifV

— Stanley (@StunnerSYoung) May 10, 2016

As @BernieSanders describes his opposition to the Iraq War & Clinton’s support for it the crowd puts up peace signs. pic.twitter.com/qDU0XnAD4j

— Danny Freeman (@DannyEFreeman) May 10, 2016

We’re gonna make alot of trouble for these billionaires. #BernieInSacramentopic.twitter.com/BAUzox7Q2t

— People For Bernie (@People4Bernie) May 10, 2016

Nathan Wellman is a Los Angeles-based journalist, author, and playwright. Follow him on Twitter: @LightningWOW