Sarah McBride Advocates for a More Inclusive Democratic Party at Crooked Con

During the inaugural Crooked Con event in Washington, D.C., Democratic U.S. Representative Sarah McBride of Delaware emphasized the need for the Democratic Party to reconnect with voters. Speaking on the panel “Flyover Country,” McBride addressed her earlier comments regarding the party's disconnect, stating, “Voters fundamentally ask two questions: Does this candidate like me? And what does this candidate think?” She asserted that failing to answer the first question prevents voters from engaging with the second.

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McBride's remarks resonated with the audience, particularly her assertion that “a big tent is bisexual,” which elicited laughter and cheers. She elaborated that inclusivity begins with kindness and respect, stating, “It starts with us being kind to one another, being respectful to one another, and being welcoming to one another.” This metaphor underscored her belief that the party must embrace a broader spectrum of political views to build a diverse coalition.

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The panel featured other prominent Democratic figures, including Rep. Janelle Bynum of Oregon, Anderson Clayton, chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party, and Ben Wikler, former chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party. Clayton highlighted the importance of not dismissing rural voters, stating, “You can’t organize those you don’t love.” Wikler emphasized empowerment as a strategy, noting that Democrats had won or overperformed in 46 out of 47 elections prior to the event.

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Bynum reminded attendees that hope alone is insufficient for electoral success, advocating for discipline in campaign efforts. McBride consistently returned to the theme of empathy, suggesting that the party should replace moral superiority with curiosity and understanding. She warned against treating relationships as tools for political leverage, arguing that such an approach alienates potential allies.

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McBride's argument that persuasion is rooted in hope rather than compromise echoed the event's broader theme of reengagement. She stated, “Being in relationship with people doesn’t mean you agree with them. It means you’re creating space for them to grow.” This sentiment was reinforced by former Obama White House deputy chief of staff Alyssa Mastromonaco, who recounted Obama’s approach to disagreement, emphasizing the need to “lead with curiosity.”

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In a follow-up interview, McBride elaborated on her “big tent” concept, asserting that it should welcome individuals across the political spectrum, including those on the left. She criticized the Democratic Party's tendency toward “purity politics,” which she believes has excluded progressive voices. McBride concluded that authenticity, rather than strict adherence to party orthodoxy, is key to winning elections.

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McBride's comments at Crooked Con reflect a growing concern within the Democratic Party regarding its relationship with voters. Her emphasis on empathy and inclusivity aims to foster a more welcoming environment for diverse political perspectives, which she believes is essential for electoral success.

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• “ She paused before adding, “You can’t build a diverse working class coalition if people don’t feel like you like them.” — Sarah McBride, U.S. Representative

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• “big tent is bisexual” — Sarah McBride, U.S. Representative

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• “You can’t organize those you don’t love.” — Anderson Clayton, Chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party

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• “That means discipline: call time, door-knocking, and accountability. Democracy isn’t optional.” — Rep. Janelle Bynum, Oregon

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• “He told me, ‘Lead with curiosity,’” — Alyssa Mastromonaco, Former Deputy Chief of Staff

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Through her participation in Crooked Con, McBride has positioned herself as a voice for a more inclusive and empathetic Democratic Party, advocating for strategies that prioritize connection and understanding with voters.

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