Comedian and “Daily Show” host Trevor Noah will be the headline speaker at next week’s House Democratic retreat in Baltimore, two Democratic leadership aides familiar with the schedule said Friday.
President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden are also scheduled to address the caucus on Thursday, the aides told CNN. The annual gathering is a chance to plot legislative strategy, but it takes place as the battle between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders for the 2016 presidential nomination heats up. Clinton has more backers in Congress, and some senior members have expressed concern about what impact having Sanders at the top of the ticket could mean for down ballot contests.
The theme of this year’s conference is “united for opportunity” and Democrats plan to focus on the 2016 agenda they will contrast with what they view as a splintered Republican party. House and Senate GOP members huddled to draft their legislative strategy for the year, but Congress’ actions will be overshadowed by the competitive and unpredictable presidential campaign.
In addition to Noah, who recently took Jon Stewart’s role as host of Comedy Central’s “Daily Show,” Democrats have invited Tom Steyer, a wealthy businessman who is a longtime champion of environmental causes, and Richard Trumka, the head of the AFL-CIO.
Political cartoonist Tom Toles is also slated to appear, along with Simon Sinek, a lecturer whose “Ted talks” on leadership ?are popular.
“We’re expecting to have a great session, where we’re going to exchange ideas for the year ahead and have some insightful policy discussions with the likes of Richard Trumka, Tom Steyer and also hear from Trevor Noah and Tom Toles,” Democratic California Rep. Xavier Becerra, the chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, told CNN.
House Democrats’ annual retreat is planned for next Wednesday through Friday at a hotel in Baltimore, and despite the blizzard hitting the region, the preparations are moving forward. House votes for Monday were canceled due to the weather, but Congress is scheduled to return on Tuesday.