Democratic luminaries, savvy strategists, and passionate activists are converging in Washington this Friday for an unprecedented event dubbed “Crooked Con,” hosted by the influential "Pod Save America" podcast team. Styled as the left’s counterpart to the Conservative Political Action Committee (CPAC), this gathering aims to forge a new path for Democratic discourse and strategy.

Among the notable attendees are several potential 2028 presidential hopefuls including Senator Chris Murphy from Connecticut, Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and Representative Ro Khanna of California. High-profile influencers such as Brian Tyler Cohen and Hasan Piker are also featured, sharing the spotlight with Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin, and Representatives Pramila Jayapal, Janelle Bynum, and Sarah McBride.

Shaniqua McClendon, Vice President of Political Strategy at Vote Save America, highlighted the necessity of the event. “We wanted to create a place where we could have these conversations about what's happening on our side and the changes that we need to make,” she explained. “The right has been much better at doing that.”

Coinciding with Crooked Con, Vote Save America is launching a new campaign initiative ahead of the 2026 midterms. The group plans to distribute $250,000 across various grassroots organizations to bolster Democratic infrastructure. This move comes in response to what McClendon describes as a significant drop in funding for such organizations in 2023 and 2024, a period when Donald Trump reclaimed the White House, and Republicans maintained their congressional majorities.

“These funding gaps in 2024, I do think it had an impact,” McClendon stated, emphasizing the need for a strategic rethink on political donations. “In no way am I saying we shouldn't give candidates money… but I think we have to be more thoughtful about investing in the infrastructure that is here all the time, and not just around Election Day.”

Since its inception during Trump’s first term, Vote Save America has raised $70 million for candidates and organizations, supported by a robust volunteer network of 600,000 individuals via their mailing list.

As Democrats gear up for the 2026 midterms with renewed vigor and a strategic overhaul, Crooked Con represents a pivotal moment in realigning the party’s approach to elections and policy discussions. The event promises to be a foundational step in reinvigorating the Democratic base and reshaping future political landscapes.