Slotkin looks to ‘level with’ American people as Democrats try to counter Trump address

Newly elected Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan will deliver her party’s response to President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress on Tuesday, as Democrats work to define the party’s future following tough losses last fall.

Newly elected Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan will deliver her party’s response to President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress on Tuesday, as Democrats work to define the party’s future following tough losses last fall. Slotkin’s remarks will be Democrats’ opening volley as the party searches for a compelling, united answer to Trump and the administration’s actions so far amid Republican control of Washington. The speech will give a high-profile platform to Slotkin, a former CIA analyst who in November held off an experienced Republican challenger in a state that voted for Trump. Congressional Democratic leaders views her as up-and-coming in the party and believe her ability to win a Senate seat in a state Trump won is evidence of her broad appeal to voters Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer called Slotkin “a rising star in our party.” “The American people are going to love what she has to say. She’s just great on both economic and national security,” Schumer told reporters. Slotkin acknowledged to CNN last fall that the Democratic Party has struggled to communicate its message to voters. “We also got to get that message out, and we haven’t always been great at that. That’s on us,” she said.