Democrats at a Crossroad: Big Tent, Huge

Democrats are in a good position to fight Trumpism this year, but the party appears mired in factional discord. Every major Democratic congressional and gubernatorial primary has become an intraparty battleground, and the party continues to struggle to find its brand identity with voters, especially working-class men. What’s the right playbook for 2026? Is a “big tent” approach—encompassing a range of progressive policies alongside moderate positions on the economy and social issues—possible? Is democratic socialism ascendant, or will charismatic personalities win the day above all? Can “abundance” policy exist beyond intellectual discourse? Discuss!

Featuring Bhaskar Sunkara, founding editor of Jacobin and former vice chair of the Democratic Socialists of America; Adam Jentleson, president of the Searchlight Institute and former chief of staff to Senator John Fetterman; and Caitlin Legacki, Democratic advisor to former Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, and more. Moderated by Jennifer Steinhuauer, IOP Senior Director.

Co-sponsored by International House.

If you have any questions about accessibility, please contact iopevents@uchicago.edu.

Thursday, January 15 2026

5:30 p.m. CT

International House