The announcement that Sen. Bernie Sanders Bernie SandersNYT editorial board remembers Ginsburg: She 'will forever have two legacies' Two GOP governors urge Republicans to hold off on Supreme Court nominee Sanders knocks McConnell: He's going against Ginsburg's 'dying wishes' MORE (I-Vt.) will headline an event at a women’s conference in Detroit later this month has left some Democrats seething and reliving old wounds from the 2016 presidential race.

On Thursday, the Women’s Convention — run by the same group that organized the large Women’s March in Washington earlier this year a day after President Trump Donald John TrumpUS reimposes UN sanctions on Iran amid increasing tensions Jeff Flake: Republicans 'should hold the same position' on SCOTUS vacancy as 2016 Trump supporters chant 'Fill that seat' at North Carolina rally MORE was sworn into office — announced that Sanders will address 3,000 women activists on the opening day of the conference.

The announcement did not receive a warm reception.

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“What, all the women were busy?” Democratic strategist Christy Setzer said in an email to The Hill. “While Sanders undeniably still has an audience and a following, giving him the keynote at the women’s march feels at best tonally off and to some like rubbing salt in the wounds.”

The news lit up Twitter, with everyone from MSNBC’s Joy Reid to actress Debra Messing weighing in, all questioning the rationale of the invitation.

The Center for American Progress’s Neera Tanden called it “pretty amazing” and said she was unfollowing the organization.

"This announcement sends the wrong message to women everywhere," EMILY's List President Stephanie Schriock said in a statement. "We have reached out to the organizers of the Women's Convention directly to share our surprise and disappointment, and to offer our help to strengthen the program."

Supporters and former aides to former Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton Hillary Diane Rodham ClintonJeff Flake: Republicans 'should hold the same position' on SCOTUS vacancy as 2016 Momentum growing among Republicans for Supreme Court vote before Election Day Warning signs flash for Lindsey Graham in South Carolina MORE were particularly confused by the news. The 2016 Democratic primary, which pitted Clinton against Sanders, was contentious.

The speech comes on the heels of Clinton’s new book “What Happened," in which she blamed Sanders for “paving the way” for her rival Donald Trump to make the case that she was — as Trump calls her — “Crooked Hillary.”

“His attacks caused lasting damage,” Clinton wrote of Sanders.

“It’s rankling some folks that the guy they asked to speak on the first day is the guy who did some real damage to a female presidential candidate,” said Jim Manley, who served as a Clinton surrogate during the 2016 race.

“The irony,” one former Clinton aide added. “They couldn’t have put less thought into this if they tried. It’s completely insulting.”

A spokesperson for the Women’s Convention could not be reached for comment. But in an interview with USA Today on Wednesday, Tamika Mallory, the co-founder of the Women’s March, said Sanders’s appearance would resonate with young activists.

“I think that right now, no one can deny that Bernie Sanders is probably one of the most powerful U.S. senators … on progressive issues, women’s issues, mobilizing millennials. He is really in line with the principles of the Women’s March,” Mallory said.

A spokesman for Sanders also could not be reached for comment.

However, a Sanders ally told The Hill that it makes sense for Sanders to be part of the program.

“He’s a validator, he’s not the leader of the movement obviously,” the Sanders ally said. “I don’t think every single person who speaks there needs to be a woman."

The ally said Sanders's inclusion showed movement unity.

“He’s there to be supportive,” the ally continued. “If the goal is to build the women’s movement in helping to lead and transform the country, why wouldn’t you have allies there? He was invited to show that we’re all united. He certainly did not go seeking an invitation.”

Sanders allies have indicated that the senator already has his sights set on a 2020 run. And the senator has criss-crossed the country recently, stopping in key states like Iowa and holding campaign-style rallies in states like West Virginia and Kentucky.

But other women — particularly colleagues of Sanders’s — have also been mentioned as potential candidates. Sens. Kamala Harris Kamala HarrisHarris honors Ginsburg, visits Supreme Court The Hill's Campaign Report: Trump and Biden vie for Minnesota | Early voting begins in four states | Blue state GOP governors back Susan Collins Kamala Harris: Black Americans have been 'disproportionately harmed' by Trump MORE (D-Calif.), Elizabeth Warren Elizabeth WarrenBiden's fiscal program: What is the likely market impact? Warren, Schumer introduce plan for next president to cancel ,000 in student debt The Hill's 12:30 Report - Presented by Facebook - Don't expect a government check anytime soon MORE (D-Mass.), Amy Klobuchar Amy KlobucharThe Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by The Air Line Pilots Association - White House moves closer to Pelosi on virus relief bill EPA delivers win for ethanol industry angered by waivers to refiners It's time for newspapers to stop endorsing presidential candidates MORE (D-Minn.) and Kirsten Gillibrand Kirsten GillibrandSunday shows preview: Justice Ginsburg dies, sparking partisan battle over vacancy before election Suburban moms are going to decide the 2020 election Jon Stewart urges Congress to help veterans exposed to burn pits MORE (D-N.Y.) have all made 2020 lists.

“It does seem a little odd since there are so many rising stars in the party that happen to be women,” Manley said, criticism EMILY's List also raised.