Schumer Tries To Rally Democrats
Furious liberals accuse Schumer of caving to Republicans as the Democratic Party’s internal chaos grows
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) is facing a growing revolt from inside his own party after Democrats joined Republicans in voting to reopen the government — without securing an extension of ObamaCare subsidies demanded by the party’s left flank.
Schumer personally voted against the deal, but that hasn’t stopped progressives from blaming him for the embarrassing defeat. Critics say the vote exposed a leadership crisis and deep fractures within the Democratic caucus.
“Chuck didn’t want this to happen,” admitted Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) in comments to Politico. “But if a dozen members ignore the strategy, even the leader can’t stop them.”
Progressives Turn on Their Own Leader
Far-left activists are now demanding Schumer’s resignation or even a 2028 primary challenge, accusing him of betraying liberal priorities and losing control of his members. Schumer, however, insists he’s focused on flipping the Senate back to Democrat control in 2026 — a move that would restore him as majority leader.
Inside the party, there’s no official call for his ouster yet, according to Politico, but many Democrats privately admit frustration over what they describe as “disorganization at the top.”
Even socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), a frequent critic, sounded hesitant to back a coup:
“You can argue Chuck has made mistakes,” Sanders told MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow. “But who replaces him?”
Democrat Allies Stay Quiet as Support Crumbles
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) continues to back Schumer, calling him “effective” — but other heavyweights are distancing themselves. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) both refused to publicly endorse Schumer when pressed.
Progressive organizer Adam Green of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee delivered perhaps the harshest blow, questioning whether Schumer is even in charge:
“If 40 senators agreed on one plan and eight broke away, what does that say about his leadership?”
Schumer brushed off the criticism, saying dissent “comes with the territory,” though insiders privately admit the episode has shaken confidence in his control of the party.
Analysis: More Evidence of a Party in Disarray
The controversy comes at a time when Democrats appear increasingly divided and leaderless, struggling to present a united front against President Trump’s agenda and conservative victories in Congress.
To many Americans — especially older voters watching Washington with frustration — this latest meltdown underscores a familiar theme: Democrats talk unity but can’t even unite behind their own leader.
