Democrats Gather in Denver for Post-Midterm Strategy

National Democratic leaders convened in Denver on Friday and Saturday to examine the political implications of the recent midterm election results.

The two-day gathering, titled 'What's Next?', took place at The Mission Ballroom and was organized by the group known as Majority Democrats. Attendees focused on the party's direction following the strong performance seen in the recent elections.

Speaker lineup included former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Senator Cory Booker, and newly elected U.S. Senator James Talarico. Their presence underscored the national scope of the event, drawing participants from various states to the Colorado capital.

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston stated that the city was selected as the venue because it represents a symbol of progress. He noted that the organizers had originally planned to hold the event in a different city before moving it to Denver. Johnston expressed satisfaction with the relocation, citing the local narrative of overcoming challenges as a key factor in the decision.

Local party officials used the occasion to advocate for Denver to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention. Johnston described the current event as a potential starting point for the 2028 presidential cycle, hoping the party would conclude that year in Denver. He confirmed that while the push is active, no official announcement regarding the 2028 host city has been made.

Shad Murib, Chair of the Colorado Democratic Party, commented on the depth of potential future presidential candidates. He stated that nearly two dozen individuals have expressed interest in running for president, noting that not all of them were present at the convention. The event served as a platform for these potential candidates to engage with party members and the public.

Tensions arose both inside and outside the venue. A group of protesters gathered outside on Friday to voice dissatisfaction with federal leadership. Inside the ballroom, the sentiment carried over when U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries took the stage. Three protesters were removed from the venue after loudly questioning Jeffries, using the term 'traitor' during their objections.