Dems shouldn’t have lost Pennsylvania, but I don’t know who is to blame. Schumer’s obvious error was failing to coordinate the Dem strategy with House members long in advance. If his position was right (I personally don’t think so), he needed to convince House leaders and the entire delegation. Instead, he lead a small protest group to upend what the group wanted to do. That’s not effective leadership.
I've been a fan of "term limits" for senators and representatives and yes age is a factor. I think the damage has been done but who knows what will happen now. I don't understand trying to hold the current administration at bay until September. After all the bulk of the "damage" has already been done.
“The second-ranking Senate Democrat is Dick Durbin, who, at 80 years old, doesn’t solve the generational problem. Neither does the third-ranking Senate Democrat, 74-year-old Sen. Patty Murray.”
Chuck isn’t a problem, he’s a symptom. Median age of Senate Dems is 65. I’m not saying that people who have been in the Senate that long don’t know how to get things done, or have contributions to make. But liaising with the public isn’t one of them.
Pardon me, but at a time when we should be doing everything possible to throw all the sh*t we can at Trump/Musk and House Republicans in swing districts, do we need to sap our energy with an intra-party leadership fight? I don’t care about Schumer, and arguably he should step down as leader after the next electoral cycle, but how does deposing him now help us make life more miserable for Trump/Musk and swing-district GOP reps? Get over it!
So in your view the Dems base has been so energized by this bold and courageous decision to agree to a CR that come 2026/2028 power will be returned. Doesn't seem to me that's what's going to happen. Of course taking Schumers leadership position away might signal to voters a change in the "we can work together" position he took. BTW you can read up on how the gov functions during a shutdown in the CRS publication. Essential employees don't get paid until the funds get approved so even if Trump wanted to rid the roles using this method kinda hard to see where feds would work for more than a month without pay.
The courts would continue essential functions at their discretion. It would be assumed that any significant actions regarding the administration would still be heard. Civil litigation probably would be suspended.
Chuck Schumer had 11 young people arrested for being in his office to demand answers from him about his voting for the CR. He has fallen head first into a pile of s*** and does not know how to get out. ABC reported it. Spread the word.
The fact the anyone is suggesting that AOC, who represents a blue district smaller than the city of Seattle, should primary Chuck Schumer is a pretty strong indication that we are in panic mode. I hear a willingness to "fight" but not a strategy to win. I've long been critical of Schumer, but if he doesn't have a strong hand (i.e., too many Senate Democrats willing to support the budget resolution), then the smart move is to fold and wait for a better hand that creates opportunities to attack the GOP where they are vulnerable (i.e., Republicans in districts won by Harris/Waltz).
It's kind of like the scene in Cool Hand Luke where Paul Newman gets his ass kicked by George Kennedy. There was no way Luke would win, but he earned everyone's respect by never backing down or giving up. That's what people want. The strategy will get fleshed out, but first you have to stand up.
Dems shouldn’t have lost Pennsylvania, but I don’t know who is to blame. Schumer’s obvious error was failing to coordinate the Dem strategy with House members long in advance. If his position was right (I personally don’t think so), he needed to convince House leaders and the entire delegation. Instead, he lead a small protest group to upend what the group wanted to do. That’s not effective leadership.
I hemmed and hawed about this for a week, and at this point I still think he's got to go.
It's not so much about the actual CR vote. I could have been convinced to go either way.
But, he new this moment was coming. He didn't seem to have any plan...at all. Huh?
Further, his comments over the last week about the return of the pre-Trump Republican party are gobsmacking. Huh?
The wrong person for the moment. Get out of the way so someone else can step up.
I have said he should go. ever since he was one of the recipients of the wiki links e mails that was the time to kick him out.
I've been a fan of "term limits" for senators and representatives and yes age is a factor. I think the damage has been done but who knows what will happen now. I don't understand trying to hold the current administration at bay until September. After all the bulk of the "damage" has already been done.
“The second-ranking Senate Democrat is Dick Durbin, who, at 80 years old, doesn’t solve the generational problem. Neither does the third-ranking Senate Democrat, 74-year-old Sen. Patty Murray.”
Chuck isn’t a problem, he’s a symptom. Median age of Senate Dems is 65. I’m not saying that people who have been in the Senate that long don’t know how to get things done, or have contributions to make. But liaising with the public isn’t one of them.
Chris Murphy. Tammy Duckworth. Mark Kelly. Probably others I'm missing. The leadership in the Democratic Senate should be refreshed.
Pardon me, but at a time when we should be doing everything possible to throw all the sh*t we can at Trump/Musk and House Republicans in swing districts, do we need to sap our energy with an intra-party leadership fight? I don’t care about Schumer, and arguably he should step down as leader after the next electoral cycle, but how does deposing him now help us make life more miserable for Trump/Musk and swing-district GOP reps? Get over it!
Don't forget there were 9 other Senate Democrats that went along with Shumer. That was more than enough votes for cloture. It's not just Chuck.
This article makes an insightful point. Well done
So in your view the Dems base has been so energized by this bold and courageous decision to agree to a CR that come 2026/2028 power will be returned. Doesn't seem to me that's what's going to happen. Of course taking Schumers leadership position away might signal to voters a change in the "we can work together" position he took. BTW you can read up on how the gov functions during a shutdown in the CRS publication. Essential employees don't get paid until the funds get approved so even if Trump wanted to rid the roles using this method kinda hard to see where feds would work for more than a month without pay.
The courts would also be closed so that could be an even bigger threat to stopping The Felon.
The courts would continue essential functions at their discretion. It would be assumed that any significant actions regarding the administration would still be heard. Civil litigation probably would be suspended.
Chuck missed the moment and just invited a primary challenge.
Do what good leaders do - mentor, train and eventually step aside for your successor.
When a tactic fails, you employ a different one. I'm convinced Schumer has run out of tactics. Time and tides, right?
TMatchette
Chuck Schumer had 11 young people arrested for being in his office to demand answers from him about his voting for the CR. He has fallen head first into a pile of s*** and does not know how to get out. ABC reported it. Spread the word.
Lauren - outstanding piece. I'm thrilled you jointed the Bulwark, and look forward to your next newsletter.
A freaking book tour...really? At least he's got his priorities inline.
The fact the anyone is suggesting that AOC, who represents a blue district smaller than the city of Seattle, should primary Chuck Schumer is a pretty strong indication that we are in panic mode. I hear a willingness to "fight" but not a strategy to win. I've long been critical of Schumer, but if he doesn't have a strong hand (i.e., too many Senate Democrats willing to support the budget resolution), then the smart move is to fold and wait for a better hand that creates opportunities to attack the GOP where they are vulnerable (i.e., Republicans in districts won by Harris/Waltz).
Yes, very small. 750,000 people.
It's kind of like the scene in Cool Hand Luke where Paul Newman gets his ass kicked by George Kennedy. There was no way Luke would win, but he earned everyone's respect by never backing down or giving up. That's what people want. The strategy will get fleshed out, but first you have to stand up.