8 Takeaways: Denver’s Democratic Gathering Finds Democrats in Array After Midterm Gains

A post-election celebration

The Denver gathering brought together more than 3,000 people involved in Democratic politics. They met to discuss how the party might build on its midterm results. Democrats gained at least eight Senate seats, while their House performance could amount to the largest majority for either party in a national election in three decades. Representative Hakeem Jeffries of New York, who is set to become speaker, told one welcome party, “America is back.”

Potential candidates make pitches

More than six potential Democratic presidential candidates attended and spoke about their visions for the country. They were not officially campaigning, but the event gave them a chance to introduce themselves to party figures.

The candidates were active around the conference. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro spoke on the main stage as Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin answered reporters’ questions; Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego was also nearby, waiting to speak with the media.

Few signs of party discord

Despite the party’s reputation for divisions, the gathering showed little visible conflict. The event’s loudest jeering came at the Ritz-Carlton hotel bar, when its lights brightened and hundreds of Democratic attendees booed at the prospect of closing time.

The three-day meeting combined celebration with discussions about the party’s next steps. Its upbeat atmosphere followed the Democrats’ strong showing in the midterm elections.