Kellyanne Conway didn’t hold back as she criticized a Never Trump activist, arguing that their movement hurt Democrats in the election.
At the New York Times' DealBook Summit, political figures dissected why the Harris campaign flopped and how Trump’s team captured the cultural shifts shaping 2024.
"The Democratic Party wakes up every day thinking it’s still January 6, 2021," Conway said. "You’re out of touch. This election rejected wokeness. Every state shifted red, except Nebraska and Washington. That’s a sweep. That’s a mandate. The American people said, ‘Make my life safer, more secure, and more affordable.’"
She also pointed to anti-Trump Republicans as a factor in the results.
"The Never Trumpers, who had endless money, cost the Democrats another presidential election," she said. "And they’re not even Democrats."
Sarah Longwell, publisher of The Bulwark and host of The Focus Group podcast, didn’t take Conway’s remarks lightly. A heated exchange followed.
"You have stage 5 Trump Derangement Syndrome," Conway accused.
Longwell fired back, "I think you guys are bad people who are bad for the country, who attacked the Constitution." Conway interrupted, pressing, "Who’s ‘you guys’? The country?"
Host Maggie Haberman attempted to intervene. "Stop, please, stop," she said, as the argument escalated.
Longwell admitted Democrats had missteps, from Biden’s decision to run for reelection to their lack of immigration policy. "Voters really care about it," she said.
Still, she blamed Republican strategies. "Republicans lie to people all the time. Trump is a professional liar and manipulates the media."
Conway shot back, "So you’re saying the American people are stupid?"
"No," Longwell countered. "I’m saying you guys are better at talking—" before Conway interrupted, demanding clarification on "you guys."
"The Trump campaign," Longwell said as their sparring continued.