The Democrat added there were four moments that “shattered” America: the Iraq War, the housing and financial crisis, China making a decision that the U.S. was an adversary, and COVID. Specifically, he pointed out that during none of these times was anyone held accountable for any of their actions.
 “We have to repair the breach,” Emanuel stated. “…Today, 90% of people are locked out of the American dream.” 

Education is a big way America can get out its rut, the politician added, saying that the country deserves a grade of “F” in that regard. 

When IDFA president and CEO Michael Dykes (pictured left) turned the page and asked what is right with America, the politician responded: “Freedom is an incredibly seductive force. No other country had had a pull on people like America. There is a lot to like. It has been suffocated.” 

Dykes concluded the moderated session by asking Emanuel about the 2028 U.S. presidential election. Emanuel likened the Democratic candidates to the 31 flavors of Baskin-Robbins, noting there will be a wide variety of potential candidates. He acknowledged that although nothing is official, he may be one of the candidates who throws their hat in the ring in an attempted to be elected president. “It will be an election about the future, not the past,” Emanuel stressed.

Dykes’ opening speech

The morning after the Emanuel speech, in his opening remarks, Dykes stressed that 2025 was one of the greatest years for dairy, evidenced by consumers enjoying 651 pounds on average per person, as well as the industry investing $11 billion into processing. 

“We are in a new era for dairy,” he asserted. “Dairy was made for this opportunity.”

The IDFA president and CEO added that United for Dairy is fundamental to make sure this is a “thriving industry moving forward.”

Already, 2026 has been momentous for dairy with the launch of new Dietary Guidelines for Americans that suggests Americans consume three servings of dairy per day, as well as President Trump signing the 2025 Whole Kids for Healthy Milk Act into law. 

Dykes set fourth four areas of future growth for the dairy industry: High-protein leadership, culturally appealing products, digestive health and sustainability. He added the dairy industry should diversify itself by providing exports to more countries. The dairy industry exported $9 billion in 2025, but he noted “we need to lead in Latin America,” “establish a Middle Eastern gateway” and “seize the opportunity in Asia.” 

Switching to efficiency and labor, Dykes noted technology is the key. “We need talent,” he said. “We need to build the reputation that dairy is a great place to work.”

IDFA’s president and CEO provided “Five Strategies to Win,” comprising “Winning with Health,” “Winning with Growth,” “Winning with Technological Innovation,” “Winning with People and Communities” and “Winning with Advocacy.”

“One thing never changes: The resiliency of the dairy industry,” he concluded. “I firmly believe our best days are ahead of us. Please join me in a commitment to be united for dairy.”