MSNBC host Symone Sanders Townsend announces live on air she's quitting Dem Party over Schumer siding with GOP on spendi

[WhiteTara]

https://www.yahoo.com/news/msnbc-host-symone-sanders-townsend-121719216.html

I never thought she was a democrat to begin with, but now it's her beloved party?


MSNBC host Symone Sanders Townsend announced live on air that she’s quitting her beloved Democratic Party because she is so “pissed” at Chuck Schumer siding with the Republicans on the latest spending bill.

Sanders Townsend — a former press secretary for Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and senior adviser for both former President Joe Biden and his vice president, Kamala Harris — said she was done with her party because Senate Minority Leader Schumer (D-NY) folded “like a paper napkin” to President Trump.

“There’s actually little that the Senate minority leader can say, and the 10 Democrats that voted with the Republicans can say, to appease somebody like me,” she told panelists on her show, “The Weekend.”
MSNBC host Symone Sanders Townsend left her panel speechless after declaring live on air that she will leave the Democratic Party to become an independent. MSNBC

[hlthe2b]

1. Count me unsurprised...

MSNBC should have given us far more Joy Reid (and quite a bit less Symone Sanders--who I find to be incredibly lacking in self-awareness). My opinion. YMMV.

It may be necessary to say that I am quite annoyed at Schumer as well and believe he should step down as Minority Leader for Dems in the Senate. But, how is that a justification to drop out of the party, the majority of which wanted something other than that to which Schumer was willing to capitulate? Sanders, again shows a lack of self-awareness IMO.

On edit, I feel inclined to include this clip of Schumer on the View. I won't say I am not conflicted and part of me wants to think he has some inside knowledge/strategy that we can't appreciate from the outside, but there are a lot of Dem Senators that I have long respected, who remain vocally opposed to that cloture vote... I guess time will tell. But, here is Schumer getting a bit of a drilling:

Link to tweet

[Polly Hennessey]

6. Agree. Never quite understood why MSNBC hired her.

She is no substitute for Joy Reid.

[atreides1]

34. Why?

Perhaps MSNBC knew how people felt about her...and that gave them the reason fire Joy Reid and keep Symone!

[Hugin]

19. My feelings on Sen Schumer are mixed... Yes, he did vote for cloture.

He voted against the actual CR and he’s one of the few Democratic Senators who has so far only voted to confirm two of Trump’s incompetent secretaries.

Eh, leadership it’s not. But, it’s also not a capital offense to Democrats.

I am wary of the magnitude of widespread and highly publicized outrage.

[SheltieLover]

38. Absolutely! Funny how US media doesn't go crazy when pootin smiles at chump, screaming collusion.

I now believe Chuck made the right, although tough, decision. Keep those fed courts open!

[brush]

41. Right decision because if the goverment had shut down, his scheduled book tour dates wouldn't work.

Last edited Tue Mar 18, 2025, 02:55 PM - Edit history (1)

He sure couldn't miss those appearances, might affect book sales.

[CBHagman]

46. I'm the same way. There's been a bandwagon effect without addressing the realities.

Both the CR and a shutdown represented risky choices, and people I respect have dissected the respective outcomes.

[Hekate]

60. Likewise

[brush]

40. Talk about an over reaction. What a silly move. Wonder how long before she sheepishly...

walks this back. Quite a few of us Dems aren't pleased Schumer, but come on.

[comradebillyboy]

2. Well bye

https://vlipsy.com/vlip/tombstone-well-bye-qwIm2CLa

[Lovie777]

3. I was never going to watch her anyways................

[claudette]

14. Me, neither

[Rebl2]

4. Okay

Bye, bye. Don’t let the door hit in the a.. on the way out.

[dutch777]

5. Quite dramatic. And where does one go? In PA, if I register as an Independent I can't vote in primaries.

Maybe can vote for non partisan offices and such. I totally hate that but that is the stupid system.

[bottomofthehill]

7. That helpful.

She will become even less relevant as an independent. She can take her .15 viewership and see what it earns her working for the Jill Steins of the world.

[yardwork]

8. Ok. I guess we're back to blaming Democrats for everything.

That's been working so well.

[Tim S]

9. New caucus

If anyone has been listening to Keith Olbermann’s podcast, the way to dethrone Schumer is for Dems to form a new caucus with a different name in the Senate and elect its leader. Its membership could consist of all the Dems that voted No on the CR.

Maybe this is her way of encouraging the process??

[MayReasonRule]

10. Well Said

Emile said his perspective was that anyone defending the votes of the ten individuals under discussion is parroting the right wing (fascist) talking points.

I agree with Emile.

[lapucelle]

39. Two days ago someone posted one of those obnoxiously gigantic pictures, this one of Senator Schumer,

and typed under it "I see abject moral depravity".

Do you also agree with the person who sees "abject moral depravity"? in Chuck Schumer or is that person parroting "right wing/fascist talking points"?

==============================

[MayReasonRule]

61. What's Your Take?

Last edited Tue Mar 18, 2025, 05:35 PM - Edit history (1)

Emile's take is that apologia in support of these votes is parroting right wing talking points.

Those who think Schumer did the right thing last week might perhaps explain why he failed to persuade 37 Senate colleagues to join him and why he failed to communicate his thinking to House Dems.

[lapucelle]

65. My take is on the record, as is Emile's. What's YOUR take?

Why are you assuming that Senator Schumer tried to persuade the entire caucus to vote for cloture?

Why are you assuming that Senator Schumer did not share his thinking with House members?

And most importantly….

Do you agree with the poster who characterized Senator Schumer as “abjectly morally depraved”?

[lapucelle]

31. Every Democrat voted "no" on the CR except for Jeanne Shaheen.

https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00133.htm#position

[travelingthrulife]

11. Welp. Good riddance then.

[claudette]

12. Good

Last edited Wed Mar 19, 2025, 06:01 AM - Edit history (1)

I hope that means we won't be seeing her ugly(?) face on MSNBC. My GAWD what an obnoxious person. So loud and talks over the guests - horrible. Could never watch or listen to her.

[PragmaticLiberal]

35. Wow.

That "ugly" comment wasn't necessary at all.

[SheilaAnn]

43. It is an accurate comment. n/t

[PCIntern]

13. Now THERE'S a big loss 🙄

Self-aggrandizing without portfolio.

[Ghost of Tom Joad]

15. It reminds me of a line from A HARD DAY'S NIGHT

George: She’s a drag, a well-known drag. You turn the sound down on her and say rude things.

[WhiteTara]

18. yikes1 that's harsh but funny

[ElementaryPenguin]

23. LOL!!!

[BigmanPigman]

66. I remember that line.

The music industry was creating their next teen pop star and wanted feedback.

[milestogo]

16. Overspending her capital.

[Jspur]

17. I don't blame her for leaving the

democratic party. There is a lot of rage directed at her when it should be at the democrats. How many times have we seen some rogue actor whether it's Mancin, Sinema vote against what the democrats allegedly want to do? Every time this happens, we are told well it was only 1 or 2 bad actors and that the next time around this won't happen again, but it does happen again every time. What happened with Schumer is not a 1-time deal because it's been happening too many times which shows the democratic party is a dysfunctional party that has been corrupted by corporate donors.

I hate the republican party but why is this never an issue with them outside of that one time when McCain voted to protect the ACA? That's the only time I have seen a defection among the republicans but every other time they are always in solidarity in what they want to get done. This is why I'm not buying into this bs excuse making for the Democrats.

[Hellbound Hellhound]

20. I've heard the same from lifelong members of the local Dem party here.

Like it or not, Schumer damaged the brand and has cost us a lot of political capital with this little self-serving stunt. He should be removed at the very least just to save face among the party.

[BannonsLiver]

44. Agree. What he did was demoralizing for a lot of people.

[Self Esteem]

21. The Democrats are looking like a dying party.

Americans don't trust the party to fight for them on any issue. Hard to imagine the party rebounding without some serious self-reflection.

But at this point, it feels like the party is on a collision course with permanent minority status.

[GoCubsGo]

22. She's going to dump the entire party over one guy's vote?

How fucking ridiculous can you get? I never saw her show, but I'm guessing she was never actually a Democrat in the first place.

[Cha]

70. Agree... It's Stupid Grandstanding.. BFD.

[Sibelius Fan]

24. That's quite a cast MSNBC elevated to replace Joy.

A Republican, an Independent and an anchor whose dad is headed to prison.

[tritsofme]

25. How exactly do you "quit" something you were never part of...and have actively worked against for years?

[WhiteTara]

37. that is my exzact thought.

She has bad mouthed the Party for years.

[stoned]

49. "Bad mouthed"

or constructively criticized? Is there no room for improvement amongst us?

[WhiteTara]

69. I'm not sure her criticisms were particularly constructive

[stoned]

71. I've never watched her so I have no idea

[Ocelot II]

26. That's not helpful. OK, Schumer fucked up; but why not stay in the party,

push for better leadership and help improve the message instead of getting all snitty and announcing you're taking your bat and ball and going home?

[CANADIANBEAVER69]

30. that is exactly what I was going to say

She should get more involved to add to the party, instead she tantrums out. Bring the fire and passion for change to your party. It's hard work to keep any relationship, whether that is a lover, friend, colleague or political party community. Do the hard, good work in any of those relationships and you will see meaning, in that work, reflecting back at you.

[no_hypocrisy]

27. OK. So she won't support Democrats with her vote(s).

And she won't support MAGAs with her vote(s).

Please tell me the better choice.

[Walleye]

28. Looks like performative politics to me. What is she going to be become a Republican now? I don't think so.

What’s the alternative Ms Sanders Townsend?

[themaguffin]

29. Whatever. That'll change things. Oof.

[Vinca]

32. Oooooh. Guess that means it's the end of the Democratic Party.

What a dumb thing to do.

[BlueKota]

33. Okay yes I disagree with Schumer's vote on CR

That doesn't mean I will quit the Democratic party or vote for Magats. I will just vote for more courageous, outspoken, intelligent Democrats in the primaries.

Those who realize you don't stop a bully by giving into their threats because it only teaches them it's a successful strategy and they will not only continue them but escalate their efforts.

Her decision seems short sided.

[SheltieLover]

36. Bullshit propaganda!

Ever notice how whdn pootin smiles at dump, the US media isn't running around with their hair on fire screaming collusion?

At first, I was furious with Schumer & others who voted to keep govt open.

Understandably, we all wanted thugs' tender parts in a hot vice & Chuck twisting it tighter. But that's not the hand Chuck had to play. So he voted for keeping the govt open to at lleast allow fed courts to operate (beyond whatever funding limits shut down set).

This woman is a schill, at best, for the ruskie assets destroying our country & the world order.

[BeyondGeography]

42. Sanders is a game player

Listening to her is most always an endeavor with little payoff. I find her exhausting.

And I miss Joy Reid.

[flamingdem]

45. Is she going Bernie?

At least that would be a stance.

[W_HAMILTON]

47. So, she quit because about 10 out of approximately 260 Democrats voted for something? What a dumbass.

Looks like another shitty piece of fruit from that same poisonous tree.

If you know, you know.

[Peacetrain]

48. She was a member of the Democratic Party???

Color me shocked!.. the way she demeaned Democrats, I would never have thought that.. well guess my only reply to her leaving is "don't let the door hit you on the backside on your way out"

[rsdsharp]

50. I wish she'd quit MSNBC. When I see her I change the channel.

She does love the sound of her own voice.

[Blues Heron]

51. Great, weaken it even more! Smart thinking!

[58Sunliner]

52. WGAF.

[elleng]

53. Not so 'beloved' after all, it appears.

OK with me, and Michael Steele's appeared to me more reliable.

[ecstatic]

54. Leaving the party to become an independent. Bernie is independent too

if I recall correctly (something other than a Democrat).

[2 Meow Momma]

55. Wasted energy. We're in a constitutional crisis. Focus energy on the republicans now.

No, we don’t like how he voted, but it’s done and he isn’t up for reelection right now. Senate Dems aren’t going to oust him right now either.

She’s yelling into the wind and causing division and distraction. I like her energy but she needs to focus…as do we all.

[Jit423]

56. I can think of about 400 other things she should be pissed about but this is not one of them.

I don't know anyone who is upset by her announcement. She must be on her way out at MSNBC?

[Mike Nelson]

57. Faced with two bad...

... options, Schumer picked the one she did not like. Most Democrats voted the other way... so she makes this big

"I'M QUITTING THE DEMOCRATS!"

announcement? Guess who wins.

[Cirsium]

58. Much ado about nothing

She said she is changing her registration to "independent."

[JohnSJ]

59. This action tells you she was never really a Democrat anyway. A Democrat would not become an independent, but fight

Last edited Tue Mar 18, 2025, 03:33 PM - Edit history (1)

within the party for change like OTHER DEMOCRATS ARE doing.

[Nixie]

62. She used to work for Bernie Sanders, if I recall.

So, no, not a committed Democrat.

[GreenWave]

63. Meanwhile at Fox a host quit after Trump's 5,000th lie... Oh wait. That didn't happen.

[sakabatou]

64. One, haven't seen MSNBC since my family cut satellite/cable

Two, I have no idea who this is, but she sounds like a DINO.

[helpisontheway]

67. She was not a Democrat. I watched her with her negative attitude towards Kamala

before the election. F you Symone!!

[DemocratSinceBirth]

68. Dramatic overreaction

[Meowmee]

72. Idiots like this are the reason we have orange psycho

[WhiteTara]

73. so true

my way or the highway