It’s an interesting, rather unexpected reason for it, too. Or it might not be a surprise. It all depends on your point of view. But it seems the situation is very close to a breaking point, and something is going to give. The question is what. When it gives, what happens next? There are an infinite number of theories we can think of for this, and everyone is entitled to one, whether or not we agree with each other. With recognition to Raw Story:
Frustration with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is intensifying among some Democrats, with conversations quietly underway about whether he should step aside after the midterm elections, according to an exclusive Wall Street Journal report. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) told progressive activists during a February dinner that lawmakers had been conducting informal vote counts to gauge whether enough support existed to remove the New York Democrat from his leadership post, the Journal reported Friday.
I like Schumer, don’t get me wrong, but there comes a time when he needs to realize he’s too wishy-washy for today’s Senate. We truly need someone with more drive and more backbone. There are actions that have made me unhappy. But it’s not up to me. It’s just my opinion. It’s up to the Democrats in the Senate to make the changes we badly need. Yes, I repeat again, Democratic power is limited right now, but there are still things that could be done.
Murphy told the outlet he does not recall referencing any specific tally and maintains Schumer still has the backing of the caucus. “But the disclosure stood out nonetheless, because it revealed that frustration inside the Senate had reached a high enough level that some Democrats were actively contemplating how to oust Schumer,” the report said. Murphy is among a group of Democratic senators – including Massachusetts ‘ Elizabeth Warren and Minnesota’s Tina Smith – who have grown dissatisfied with Schumer’s negotiating style and his approach to candidate strategy ahead of November’s elections. Some progressive lawmakers – dubbed “Fight Club” – have even discussed countering Schumer-backed candidates in key races.
My, my, my. Unhappy is an understatement. It seems that his time to shine is fading. Sometimes you need to fold the cards and step down. Whether or not Schumer will admit it and do so is a whole ‘nuther ball of wax. It’s hard to acknowledge and even harder to do. But who could or would help him understand? Anyone?
Schumer dismissed the criticism, saying scrutiny “goes with the territory” of leadership and insisting his support remains “deep and strong.” Allies also say he retains enough backing to remain minority leader. Still, some Democrats privately view the 75-year-old top Senate Democrat as an obstacle to change, “who is slowing the party’s drive to stand up to President Trump and thwarting a new generation of leadership from rising.”
Experience versus energy and drive. Which one do we need more of? Could we give Senate Minority Leader Schumer some oomph? That would be the best of both worlds. There’s no easy answer. There’s nothing simple about this. It’s one helluva position to hold. It’s definitely high stress. But … people seem tired of the lack of action. Surely there’s something workable that could be done. Even an improvement would be progress.
Please try not to flame me too badly. See you soon!
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sorry but time for him to go. i see him as more of peacetime leader as it were.