Warren, Booker to address DC progressive event: report

Sens. Elizabeth Warren (Mass.) and Cory Booker (N.J.) are among the big Democratic names speaking at an upcoming event for progressives in Washington, D.C., according to a new report.

Booker and Warren are confirmed for the May 16 Ideas Conference organized by the Center for American Progress (CAP) at Washington’s St. Regis Hotel, Politico said Wednesday.

Politico said other high-profile speakers include Democratic Sens. Kamala Harris (Calif.), Chris Murphy (Conn.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (N.Y.).

{mosads}Montana Gov. Steve Bullock (D) and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti (D) are also slated to speak, Politico added, with more luminaries expected to attend.

“So much of our time right now is engaged, and rightfully so, in fighting [President] Trump,” CAP President Neera Tanden said. “It’s obviously critical that we provide a positive alternative of how we’re going to address the country’s challenges.”

CAP is loosely imitating the American Conservative Union’s annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) with the Ideas Conference, according to Politico. The yearly showcase is a prime spotlight for conservative and Republican leaders, with notable past speakers including Trump, now-Vice President Mike Pence and former President Ronald Reagan.

Politico added that Ideas Conference speakers are encouraged to express opinions on issues including climate change, the economy, national security and civil and reproductive rights. The event will also include panel discussions and interactive conservations aimed at grassroots activists and organizations.

“There’s a level of energy out there that I haven’t seen, and it’s not our role to pick winners and losers,” Tanden said. “I think there will be a process. Some people will be really successful. Some won’t. It’s great to have that trial and error out there.”  

Democrats are hoping they can capitalize on grassroots opposition to Trump following their party’s stunning loss in the 2016 presidential election.

Trump shocked Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton on Election Day, ushering in GOP control of the White House and both congressional chambers.