President Obama plans to host a conference call Monday afternoon with members of the Democratic National Committee, which is grappling with a crushing election defeat and growing tension between party leaders.
Obama, who will depart Monday for his final international trip as president, is likely to discuss the upcoming race to replace DNC interim chair Donna Brazile and changes the party will need to make as it looks ahead to Trump’s presidency and the 2018 midterm elections. The call was first reported by Politico.
Defeated Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton will hold a separate call with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and other Democratic lawmakers on Monday.
“Your support throughout this campaign meant everything to Hillary and her entire team, and we are so grateful to you,” aides to Clinton reportedly wrote in an email to House Democrats.
House Democrats plan to hold their leadership elections on Thursday, though some lawmakers have requested that the elections be delayed to give members additional time to determine what led to their devastating defeat last Tuesday and whether the party should tack more to the left.
Incoming Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York and his predecessor Harry Reid of Nevada have both endorsed Minnesota Rep. Keith Ellison, who co-chairs the Congressional Progressive Caucus, to replace Brazile at the helm of the DNC, suggesting some Democratic leaders believe their party would benefit by embracing a more progressive agenda.
