SENS. BENNET AND MURPHY, FORMER HARRIS COMMS DIRECTOR JAMAL SIMMONS TO DISCUSS PATH TO HARRIS PRESIDENCY AT WELCOMEFEST
Welcome announced today Senators Michael Bennet and Chris Murphy will be in conversation with Matt Yglesias at WelcomeFest at 4 p.m. July 30 at The Schuyler (1001 14th St NW, Washington, DC) to discuss Harris’ path to the presidency.
“For the People in the Middle,” the theme of the inaugural WelcomeFest, will also feature former Vice President Kamala Harris communications director Jamal Simmons and other center left leaders discussing “The Border & Beyond: Navigating Key Issues to Win Swing Voters - and the White House.”
Matt Yglesias interviews Senator Chris Murphy, Jamal Simmons and Senator Michael Bennet (separately)
The presidential election may turn on how Americans view the two parties on immigration and border security, a highly ranked issue on which voters have favored Republicans. While the topic is fraught with complexity, misinformation, and partisan electoral incentives that undermine legislating, Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) changed the dynamic over the past year by leading cross-partisan negotiations on the Bipartisan Border Bill. The successful launch of the bill, subsequently undermined by Donald Trump, provided both the highlight of the State of the Union and a path forward for communicating with voters.
Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) has a proven track record of winning over swing voters and leading on pragmatic policy. He will speak with Yglesias about the path forward this election season on energy, education, family policy and engaging independent and moderate voters.
The senators will be interviewed by Matthew Yglesias, a Bloomberg columnist, founder of the influential newsletter Slow Boring, and host of the Politix podcast.
Attendees will also hear from Jamal Simmons, CNN Political Commentator and former Communications Director for Vice President Kamala Harris, on the path forward for Harris winning over swing voters. Simmons is a Democratic communications consultant who led communications initiatives for congressional campaigns, presidential campaigns, and the Democratic National Committee.
About WelcomeFest
The inaugural WelcomeFest taking place from 1-6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30 at The Schuyler (1001 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005) will convene hundreds of self-identified members of the Center Left faction of the Democratic Party. Modeled after Principles First, the annual conference for center right/Never Trump Republicans, WelcomeFest will highlight the winning energy, talent, data and messaging as well as the prominent moderate/pragmatic elected leaders who represent the vibrance in the Center Left faction of the Democratic Party. The event follows three years of private biannual convenings of Center Left leaders, practitioners and organizations hosted by Welcome to discuss the policy and politics for winning over voters in the middle.
The schedule for WelcomeFest will include:
Welcoming a Big Tent - Protecting Democracy by Practicing It
Remarks - John Avlon, Democratic nominee in NY-01, author, former CNN Political Commentator
Partisan Faction Building - The Rise of Progressive Conservatives
Keynote - Representative Jared Golden (ME-02)
Depolarizing Through The Art of Persuasion - Winning with Credible Messengers
Sarah Longwell with Janelle Stelson, Democratic nominee in PA-10, former news anchor
Progressive Truths & Lies - How Advocacy Groups Misrepresent Key Constituencies
Josh Barro moderates panel with Olivia Julianna, Rachel Janfaza, and Lauren Harper Pope
Winning over Republican Voters in a Blue State
Remarks - Will Rollins, Democratic nominee in CA-41, former staff of CA Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jan. 6 federal prosecutor.
For The People in the Middle - The Border & Beyond: Navigating Key Issues to Win Swing Voters - and the White House
Matt Yglesias interviews Senator Chris Murphy, Senator Michael Bennet, and Jamal Simmons, CNN Political commentator and former Communications Director for Vice President Kamala Harris
Center Left Happy Hour (same room/location)
Polling presentations include Blueprint polling on key constituencies from Milan Singh.
Attendees will engage partner organizations at tables sponsored by: Future Caucus, NewDems, New Liberals, Slow Boring, Third Way, The Welcome Party, Blue Dogs PAC and NewDEAL Leaders.
As of July 29, WelcomeFest has more than 250 registered attendees including voters, Center Left leaders and practitioners, and press. Tickets are $20 and can be found at welcomefest2024.splashthat.com.
Press may RSVP to Lauren Harper Pope at lauren@thewelcomeparty.org or (704) 222-3421. Press credentials available at check-in. Please advise if you are interested in media availability for any featured guests.