AUGUSTA, Ga. (WFXG) - Hundreds of people packed the Jessye Norman Amphitheater here in Augusta to hear 2020 presidential candidate Bernie Sanders talk about healthcare, labor immigration and more. We talked to two of his biggest advocates about why the presidential election in 2020 is so important.

Senator Bernie Sanders took the stage for his 2020 presidential campaign right here in Richmond County. It’s part of his tour across several southern states like South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama with one goal: vying for the Democratic nomination among dozens of candidates.

“This time the democrats will have an opportunity to interview several candidates and have a robust debate about the needs of the people and I am quite confident that Senator Bernie Sanders stands light years ahead of any other candidate in this race," said Nina Turner, national co-chair of Bernie Sanders’ 2020 campaign.

The sweltering temperatures didn’t stop a crowd of more than 1,000 people. Senator Sanders’ discussed hot topics from his platform like immigration, education and President Donald Trump.

“We are sick and tired of a president who demonizes undocumented people,” said Sanders.

Sanders said on prison reform,“How about instead of investing in jails and incarceration, we invest in jobs for our young people and education?”

“Unfortunately, It turns out Donald Trump is a pathological liar!," Sanders said as a crowd cheered.

Senator Sanders said the water crisis in Denmark, South Carolina is just one of many examples of why the country needs new leadership.

“We need to get Trump out of there and we got to get someone in there with vision who cares about working and poor people. This is a pivotal election," said political activist, professor and author Dr. Cornel West.

Sanders said 2020 is the time for the government to work for every citizen, not just the 1 percent.

His next stop is in Birmingham, Alabama at 4 p.m. central standard time.

WATCH HIS ENTIRE SPEECH HERE:

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