Chuck Schumer just wants to get along.

[Atman]

That's it in a nutshell. That is why we're on the outside looking in. That is all Democratic 'leadership' ever wants to do -- just get along. Just play nice. Once we're nice, they'll be nice, too, right? Let's just all be friends, then they'll stop being such bullies, right?

How has that worked out for us so far?

When are Democrats going to fight back, and stop relying upon these old relics like Schumer and Pelosi, totally entrenched in the old-school Washington ways, to actually support the majority of Americans?

Wake up to that sound of distant marching boots towards you, or just be killed your sleep.

[Historic NY]

1. He better beware...

[Lurks Often]

2. Schumer doesn't have much of a choice

The filibuster is almost certainly gone once the new Senate session starts. So Schumer has two basic choices, he can obstruct everything and watch all the bills he doesn't like get passed anyway or he can try and work with some of the more moderate Republicans to minimize some of the damage and maybe get somethings passed.

For now the second choice is the smart one, Schumer can always go for the first choice if the Republicans are going to ignore the Democrats in the Senate.

You might also want to look at some of the Senate seats the Democrats have to defend in 2018, a number of them are in very red states, if things go badly the Republicans could end up with 60 Senate seats after the 2018 elections.

[Hoyt]

4. I am afraid you are right. Protesting everything won't play well long-term. Trying to reshape

legislation has some chance.

We all would have cheered Obama if he had punched Trump out, but Obama chose to appeal to reason. I think it was the right move at the time. Later, we can still cheer if Obama lets Trump have it for not representing everyone.

[truebluegreen]

41. Worked just fine for the Republicans, didn't it?

And playing nice has worked really well for Obama (and us) these last 8 years.

But hey! Let's keep our powder dry.

[Hoyt]

42. They were in better position than Democrats, check out the numbers and who controls each branch now.

All we can do is yell and whine, and maybe appeal to reason with some voters. But, in the end, opposing everything will hurt us and won't stop the legislation.

[truebluegreen]

57. I doubt that standing up will hurt us.

I can't be sure because of course it's never been tried. It should be.

[Hoyt]

65. Looking like a bunch of helpless fools yelling at the sky won't do a lot of good.

[truebluegreen]

80. So is Roll Over Beethoven your favorite song?

[Hoyt]

84. Don't you step on my blue suede shoes

[yallerdawg]

5. It's hard for the new underground Democrats...

to understand we have virtually no power or influence left.

But, what the hell - why should that stop us from maligning the Democrats we have left?

[Act_of_Reparation]

17. "New underground Democrats"

Perhaps the "new" underground Democrats understand we're not going to get our power and influence back by anchoring ourselves to shitty policies.

[yallerdawg]

18. What 'shitty' policy?

This is about opposing every policy like the Republicans did for eight years.

Or is it just the "shitty" policies?

[Act_of_Reparation]

46. You think the GOP is going to propose not-shitty policies?

[yallerdawg]

53. End NAFTA.

Punitive tariffs on Chinese steel.

Raise the debt ceiling.

Miners benefits.

Just say no?

[Act_of_Reparation]

60. You'll have to pardon me if I remain skeptical that those will ever make it to the table.

Drain the swamp, and all that jazz.

[adigal]

85. Im here since 2004, and we need to kick Schumer into gear

Block everything, stop everything.

[yallerdawg]

86. You do realize it's about to get even bleaker.

The 2018 election is mostly Senate Democrats in red states where it is probably more likely the Senate ends up a filibuster-proof 60 plus Republicans nailing down Congress, a Republican president, a rightwing Supreme Court, coast-to-coast Republican governors, legislatures, and courts.

Now's the time to fight?

Now?

Time to discover what 'underground' means.

[adigal]

89. So we should all go hide? Trump is going tobe so horribke, 2018 will be a bloodbath

For Republicans. We just need to make sure everyone gets out to vote.

[yallerdawg]

91. We should get smart and support the Democrats we have.

We should take stands when they matter, and celebrate every win we get.

We should stay committed to serving the people - no matter which party gets the credit. That alone would make us "not Republicans."

And we watch the pendulum swing back. It always does.

[Alekzander]

6. Schumer has a choice & it is not doing the same thing again that got Dems in the position they are

in now. Take a look back when republicans were in the minority. Did they say oh we have no choice, we have to get along. No, they took the stance that Dems better be looking at & that is not cooperation & getting along. If so, then just kiss your party goodbye.. Also, tell us, do you think republicans are going to see us in a much better light or will they just laugh at our weakness as they have been doing?

[Atman]

8. Go along to get along.

Let's hope it works out for us.

IT NEVER DOES.

After the last eight years, you honestly believe we're going to affect any compromise with the newly super-empowered Republican majority of everything? Thinking like this is a large part of why the Democrats are now powerless. No will to fight.

[Lurks Often]

12. Depends on Schumer and what the legislation is

The Senate is 52-48 in favor of the Republicans (I include both independents in the Democrats total).

If he can peel off a couple of the more moderate Republicans he can block some bills from going to Trump for his signature.

If Schumer goes all scorched earth and blocks EVERYTHING, the Republicans are still going to pass almost everything they want and Democratic Senators run an increased chance of losing their seat and giving the Republicans an even larger majority in the Senate in 2018. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Senate_elections,_2018

The scorched earth approach is available, but it should not be the first approach taken.

[Atman]

15. If a frog could fly it wouldn't bump his ass a'hoppin.

Just saying.

We fall for this every time. EVERY SINGLE TIME.

If we could just get them to go along...IF.

They NEVER do.

[Lurks Often]

16. Ok, you have your view and I have mine

and neither of us is likely to change our minds. Enjoy your day.

On edit: Something I forgot to mention is that the Republicans in the Senate were able to behave the way they did because they knew the House would back them up in most cases. That isn't an option for Schumer.

[Atman]

19. So, if you KNOW you're going to lose anyway, why not FIGHT?

FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT. Make headlines for being a FIGHTER FOR YOUR CAUSE, not a patsy and bends over screaming "Please sir, may I have another!"

Why not fight to rebuild a base that will believe that you are not just another corporate stooge willing to go along to get along?

[Lurks Often]

20. That only works if the majority of the public believes in Schumer

What happens when the majority of the country instead views Schumer as petty and obstructionist? Do you really think a majority of the country is going to rally behind a career politician from New York that isn't particularly likeable himself?*

Almost 75% of eligible voters either stayed home or voted for someone other then Hillary Clinton:

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/voter-turnout-2016-elections/

Using the 58% number from NPR, 42% of eligible voters didn't bother to vote at all. Of the 58% that did vote, 32.4% of those eligible voters still voted for someone other then Clinton. So 74.4% of eligible voters choose to either stay home or vote against Clinton.



*So there is no confusion, I never thought Sanders could win the general election and I am not pushing to have him as Senate Minority leader.

[Atman]

22. Wait, WHAT? "Obstructionist" seemed to work for McConnell.

Even POTUS gave him a shout out for the great job he did of obstructing everything and blocking his agenda. So our "counter-attack" is to give the GOP everything it wants...then what? Campaign on how hard we DIDN'T fight back?

"We fought hard to do nothing, America! We voted with the Republicans every time and you lost your health insurance, your Social Security was privatized, you've got a Medicare voucher. Vote for us and we will continue to fight to let the GOP do whatever they want to erode the American way of life! We will acquiesce at every corner, we will give up any chance we get!"

Sounds like a winning strategy to me.

[Lurks Often]

23. Because McConnell had the House of Representatives to support him

in being obstructionist. The Democrats don't have that support.

[CakeGrrl]

26. And never forget the MSM, who enables the GOP at every opportunity

We don't appreciate how much help the GOP gets by the MSM ignoring its ugly, obstructionist, hypocritical actions.

If they called all of that out with the focus they put on Benghazi and e-mails, who knows what kind of pressure could have been applied to the GOP, if for no other reason than "optics"? Which, by the way, is something the MSM only presents as a problem for Democrats.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

82. You're so right... but, do not underestimate Bernie's will to fight. Move over Schumer, there's a new sheriff in town!

[Jim Beard]

52. You are right, this is the year we should have taken over the Senate.

We have way too many Seats for us to defend. This last election cost us dearly and for a very long time. Most people don't realize that. I have seen the Pennsylvania steel worker say on TV that he will vote for Trump and if he doesn't like him he will vote Democrat next time. Ther may not be a next time.

[Lurks Often]

72. And only 6 seats in the House and lost 2 more governors races

Even in very blue CT, the Republicans picked up enough state senate seats that the state senate is evenly divided between Democrat & Republican and in the state house, Democrats now only have a 7 seat advantage.

[Jim Beard]

92. We must go all out for the midterms in 2018. House or Senate, lets go!!!

[guillaumeb]

76. Play nice in hopes that the GOP will reciprocate?

President Obama tried that approach for 8 years.

Schumer has a safe seat and apparently a safe position.

[RKP5637]

3. That, is seen as a major sign of weakness to be taken advantage of and in Trump's eye's

a total loser. It will not work. It should, but it won't with this herd of deplorables, Trump and his regime. I suppose this post will get hidden too!

[uponit7771]

9. +1, Schumer doesn't understand predatory people at all ... this is what's disappointed about him

[TreasonousBastard]

39. The senior Senator from NY doesn't understand predation? That's hilarious.

[uponit7771]

74. Yes... If he thinks he can work with one he doesn't understand them

[Solly Mack]

34. You're correct though. Trump will see it as weaknees, as already caving in.

And for Trump, that just means you'll cave even more.

[bigtree]

7. that's a gross over-simplification of his views and statements, so far

read his Twitter acct. to get a clearer picture of his stances against Trump. https://twitter.com/SenSchumer

You don't do anyone a favor by ignoring or dismissing the opposition he's currently waging against the incoming Trump administration.

[Atman]

10. I agree. It's gross.

It makes me sick.

[bigtree]

11. what you wrote isn't true

...and does a disservice to the fights you say you want him to wage.

https://twitter.com/SenSchumer

Chuck Schumer ?@SenSchumer Dec 23
ICYMI Mick Mulvaney, budget dir. nominee, wants to cut more than Social Security & Medicare #RiggedCabinet

Chuck Schumer @SenSchumer
.@RepMickMulvaney you claim to be a true deficit hawk. Will you be

Chuck Schumer Retweeted
Bernie Sanders ?@SenSanders Dec 15
Will Scott Pruitt, a climate change denier who assisted the fossil fuel industry, combat climate change? Don't think so. #RiggedCabinet

Chuck Schumer ?@SenSchumer Dec 23
The shutdown was “worth it”. "End Medicare as we know it.” Find the top 10 worst ideas from Budget Dir Nominee Mick Mulvaney #RiggedCabinet

Chuck Schumer Retweeted
Chris Murphy ?@ChrisMurphyCT Dec 21
Republican plans to repeal ACA threaten to strip coverage from 30 million people. I'll do everything I can to make sure that doesn't happen

Chuck Schumer ?@SenSchumer Dec 20
Another PEOTUS' #RiggedCabinet nom will take aim at seniors' benefits but the GOP claims there's no war on seniors.

New York Daily News ?@NYDailyNews Dec 19
"WHERE THERE'S SMOKE, THERE'S FIRE": @SenSchumer calls for feds to recall e-cigarettes after recent injuries in NYC http://nydn.us/2hxLPTm

Chuck Schumer Retweeted
HuffPost Politics ?@HuffPostPol Dec 18
McCain, Schumer call for select committee to investigate Russia hacks http://huff.to/2i4sNko

Chuck Schumer Retweeted
Mike Lupica ?@MikeLupica Dec 18
LUPICA: U.S. must investigate if Russia affected prez election

Chuck Schumer ?@SenSchumer Dec 18
@RepMickMulvaney you claim to be a true deficit hawk. Will you be consistent & oppose Trump's huge unpaid for tax breaks for the wealthy?

Chuck Schumer ?@SenSchumer Dec 16
Met w/ @GinaEPA yday to discuss what we can do to protect our clean water & clean air as we continue to fight the effects of #ClimateChange

Chuck Schumer ?@SenSchumer Dec 16
Scott Pruitt's resume:
✓ roll back clean air protections
✓ defend polluters
✓ deny science of #ClimateChange
#pollutingPruitt #RiggedCabinet

Chuck Schumer Retweeted Max Boot

.@SenateDems are already preparing ample questions for his hearing so the American people know EXACTLY where he stands.

Chuck Schumer added,
Max Boot @MaxBoot
The Senate can show it doesn't support a pro-Putin policy by refusing to confirm Rex Tillerson. My @latimes oped: http://lat.ms/2hRpmNT

Chuck Schumer ?@SenSchumer Dec 16
Will GOP confirm a cabinet full of #TPP supporters when their party's nominee campaigned against it? #RiggedCabinet

Chuck Schumer ?@SenSchumer Dec 16
Next Ed Sec will oversee fed student loan program but still won't pay a $5.2 M fine. #leadership #RiggedCabinet

Chuck Schumer ?@SenSchumer Dec 16
Public servants, esp in the highest office must lead by example, pay fines, release taxes, recuse & divest from conflicts of interest.

Chuck Schumer ?@SenSchumer Dec 16
The beauty of the great American experiment is we all agree to follow the law, even if a judge rules against us. Even Cabinet Secs.

Chuck Schumer ?@SenSchumer Dec 15
The Right is already plotting roll backs of just signed #TitleX protections, #ACA, Medicare & Medicaid. Still waiting to read their plan.

Chuck Schumer Retweeted
Senator Patty Murray ?@PattyMurray Dec 15
Obama’s final rule would ensure access to quality health care for millions of women & men:

Chuck Schumer Retweeted
Planned Parenthood ?@PPact Dec 14
@POTUS's new rule protects preventive health care & family planning for the millions of people who rely on #TitleX: http://ppact.io/2gByzJk

Chuck Schumer ?@SenSchumer Dec 15
@HHSGov @WhiteHouse Title X rule puts health care for millions of Americans above partisan politics. Next admin must not roll that back.

Chuck Schumer ?@SenSchumer Dec 14
It's been 4 yrs since #SandyHook & there’s been little progress to #EndGunViolence. I urge colleagues on both sides to #HonorWithAction.

Chuck Schumer Retweeted Emily C. Dooley

Water bill will become law and hold @USNavy's feet to the fire to finally study the Bethpage Plume.

Chuck Schumer added,
Emily C. Dooley @eDooleyNoted
.@SenSchumer provision requiring Navy report to Congress re #Bethpage plumes passes, heading to @POTUS http://nwsdy.li/2gxwFZZ via @Newsday

Chuck Schumer ?@SenSchumer Dec 13
Given our serious concerns, FR cmte members must have ample time to study Mr. Tillerson’s record & ask several rounds of questions.

Chuck Schumer ?@SenSchumer Dec 13
Senate Foreign Relations Cmte members on both sides will ask Mr. Tillerson tough questions on Russia, Putin & the Paris Climate Agreement.

Chuck Schumer ?@SenSchumer Dec 13
From his past w/ Putin & #Russia, to the future of #ParisAgreement, Mr. Tillerson has a lot of questions to answer in nomination hearings.

Chuck Schumer ?@SenSchumer Dec 12
Passage of my bill, the Lead Testing in School & Child Care Drinking Water Act is a major victory for children across New York & the US.

Chuck Schumer ?@SenSchumer Dec 12
Proud my Lead Testing bill has been passed by Congress, will be signed into law by @POTUS & can start making kids' drinking water safer.

Chuck Schumer ?@SenSchumer Dec 12
Heard from NYers about the state of school water across NY & its why I intro'ed the Lead Testing in School & Child Care Drinking Water Act.

Chuck Schumer ?@SenSchumer Dec 12
American people deserve to know how & for what purpose #Russia manipulated our free & fair elections. Findings must be public to max extent.

Chuck Schumer ?@SenSchumer Dec 12
It will be impt at the end of bipartisan investigation into #Russian meddling that findings be shared with public.

Chuck Schumer ?@SenSchumer Dec 12
Investigation into cyber attacks must be bipartisan & include ALL relevant intel. We must find out how they happened & stop future attacks.

Chuck Schumer ?@SenSchumer Dec 12
We welcome @SenateMajLdr's support for a thorough bipartisan investigation into reports that Russia interfered with the 2016 election.

Chuck Schumer Retweeted
CBS This Morning ?@CBSThisMorning Dec 12
"The vital interests of our country are at stake." -- @SenSchumer on Russia election hack investigation

Chuck Schumer Retweeted
Norah O'Donnell ?@NorahODonnell Dec 12
"The vital interests of our country are at stake" @SenSchumer @SenJohnMcCain join us on @CBSThisMorning #newsisback

Chuck Schumer Retweeted
Lindsey Graham ?@LindseyGrahamSC Dec 11
Joint statement with Senators McCain, Schumer, and Reed on reports Russia interfered with the 2016 Election.

Chuck Schumer ?@SenSchumer Dec 11
Cyber security, especially in our elections, cannot become a partisan issue. The stakes are too high for our country.

Chuck Schumer ?@SenSchumer Dec 11
Joined @LindseyGrahamSC @SenJohnMcCain @SenJackReed in call for bipartisanship & investigation into cyber attacks on the US by foreign govs.

Chuck Schumer Retweeted
Moms Clean Air Force ?@CleanAirMoms Dec 9
I’m standing up for the health and security of Americans - that means standing against #PollutingPruitt. http://ow.ly/Sj9Y306YZdj

Chuck Schumer Retweeted
Senator Tom Carper ?@SenatorCarper Dec 9

We cannot allow #PollutingPruitt to undo the @EPA’s clean water and clean air standards meant to protect public health

Chuck Schumer Retweeted
Sierra Club ?@sierraclub Dec 9
#PollutingPruitt has shady ties to energy firms. So much for draining the swamp. http://sc.org/2hnJQBL #FactsTrumpDenial

Chuck Schumer ?@SenSchumer Dec 9
It’s irresponsible to support an #EPA nominee who puts polluters over clear water & air for the American people. I oppose #PollutingPruitt.

Chuck Schumer Retweeted
Ed Markey ?@SenMarkey Dec 9
The American people want clean air & water and to protect the health of their kids.

#PollutingPruitt should not lead the @EPA.
Ed Markey added,
Ed Markey @SenMarkey
.@AGScottPruitt will make EPA stand for Every Polluters Ally. Denying #climatechange, carrying water for #BigOil make him unfit to lead @EPA

Chuck Schumer Retweeted
Ed Markey ?@SenMarkey Dec 9
@AGScottPruitt has dedicated years of his career to rolling back bedrock laws and rules that protect our water & our air. #PollutingPruitt

Chuck Schumer Retweeted
Senator Tom Carper ?@SenatorCarper Dec 9
The @EPA head must recognize the damaging effects of climate change on our environment and economy #FactsTrumpDenial

Chuck Schumer Retweeted
Media Matters ?@mmfa Dec 8
Puzder says fast food workers pass up $80,000 a year jobs. He also admits his company does not offer those jobs.

Chuck Schumer ?@SenSchumer Dec 8
@EPA nom Pruitt won’t believe 97% of scientists but seems to believe 97% of energy lobbyists. Read his own words: http://www.tulsaworld.com/opinion/othervoices/scott-pruitt-and-luther-strange-an-un-american-prosecution-of/article_eff77ff4-8f6c-5646-84da-1f3204b89f54.html …

Chuck Schumer ?@SenSchumer Dec 8
“Gateway is a smart... investment in a better tmrw for...all Americans” & I won’t stop working to make it a reality.

Chuck Schumer ?@SenSchumer Dec 8
Labor nom may be surest sign yet the next cabinet will look out for billionaires & special interests, instead of America’s working class.

Chuck Schumer ?@SenSchumer Dec 8
@USDOL Sec nominee opposes increasing the minimum wage, the overtime rule to raise wages & his biz have repeatedly violated labor laws.

Chuck Schumer ?@SenSchumer Dec 8
Labor Secretary should be someone who wakes up every day thinking about how they can raise American wages & fight for American workers.

Chuck Schumer ?@SenSchumer Dec 8
When it comes to #BuyAmerica, trade & protecting US jobs, the GOP & PEOTUS seem to be on opposite sides. Time for him to stare them down.

Chuck Schumer ?@SenSchumer Dec 8
Just this week, @HouseGOP stripped a provision out of the water bill to require US made steel be used to rebuild our infrastructure.

Chuck Schumer Retweeted
Sen. Tammy Baldwin ?@SenatorBaldwin Dec 8
House GOP bucks Donald Trump, scraps legislation to “buy American” iron and steel #BuyAmerica http://www.salon.com/2016/12/08/house-gop-bucks-donald-trump-scrap-legislation-to-buy-american-iron-and-steel/ … via @Salon

Chuck Schumer Retweeted
Senator Joe Donnelly ?@SenDonnelly Dec 8
Joe on standing w/ Carrier workers, represented by @steelworkers Local 1999 and hardworking Hoosiers across Indiana.

Chuck Schumer ?@SenSchumer Dec 8
@SenateDems are leading the fight to #BuyAmerica & to protect and grow US jobs. More at 12:30pm

Chuck Schumer ?@SenSchumer Dec 8
Chuck Schumer Retweeted All In w/Chris Hayes
ICYMI @SenSherrodBrown & @SenatorBaldwin are exactly right, & they're fighting for US jobs. #BuyAmerica:

Chuck Schumer added,

All In w/Chris Hayes @allinwithchris
Congressional Republicans undercut American steel workers, scrapping "Buy America" provision #inners

[SaschaHM]

21. Perhaps Bernie Sanders or Elizabeth Warren should present these tweets in an interview.

That's the only "fighting" that this forum recognizes sadly.

[bigtree]

28. it's an appropriate response to the rhetoric of the op

...which is an uninformed and unfair slap at our Democratic leader.

[SaschaHM]

33. I know. I get it.

This is the 1000x post of someone complaining about Democrats not fighting when the only name they probably have a google news alert on is Bernie Sanders. Honestly, I'm sick of it and just a bit ticked off that folks consider complaining in interviews fighting when it's just swinging a sword in thin air. The real fight begins when legislation is introduced and nominations are put forth.

[bigtree]

37. okay, thought that's what you were getting at

...this place is no stranger to ad hominen attacks on Democrats.

Some folks learned nothing from the election... or learned, all too well.

[Atman]

50. You don't have a freakin' clue for what and for whom I have fought.

You clearly don't know a thing about me. Check out my history here, and my journals if need be.

You think I'm just popping in without knowing anything about our current state? Take a break, Jr. You don't have any idea what you're talking about.

[SaschaHM]

66. Clearly you don't either. This post says as much.

You're are clearly talking out of your ass with the OP and when presented with proof you resort to insults. Maybe it's time for you to take a break.

[Atman]

69. What insults? Where am I talking out of my ass?

Yeah...maybe it's time us fighters take a break so you can roll over and let the GOP give you a belly rub while Chuck Schumer 'gets along.' Personally, I'm kind of sick of it. The demographics were in our favor. We should have won everything, but we let them take control of the message, we tried to get along, Obama appointed some of their buddies to try and prove he was bipartisan, and where did it get us? Outside looking in, totally fucked.

Sorry, I think you are one very naive young pup.

[SaschaHM]

70. "Young pup" What patronizing bullshit.

Fighter? All you are doing is being a keyboard warrior with false information on a message board. Schumer has been speaking out. Whether you choose to listen or read up about it is. Maybe you should take a break so we don't have to waste time talking misinformed folks like you off of a cliff every time they don't read something correctly. Hell, do us a favor and just jump. Age has made you petty, bitter, and it seems mentally maligned.

[Atman]

75. Again, young pup, you have no clue what it is I do.

But thanks for using my age (which you don't know) in your hypocritical defense against me calling you a young pup.

As stated, I've worked in the guts of politics for many years. The fact that you don't know anything about me doesn't change that. I'm happy you like Chuck Schumer and like him and are paid...er, are emboldened to support him online. But this old fart is tired of seeing the same names I've seen since I was a teenager. I want some NEW BLOOD, some NEW IDEAS, some NEW ANYTHING. Republicans get an old fossil creep douche bag for a president, but he's backed up by relatively young people (in political years, aka Ryan, Rubio, etc) to advance their agenda.

Meanwhile, Democrats take their plays from an old National Geographic documentary and keep going to the ancient party elders for their sage wisdom -- the same "sage wisdom" which has brought us continuous losses over and over again.

Get over the age bullshit. Oh, the irony. I'm an old guy telling you young pups to wake the fuck up and realize that our party, our movement (oops, us old guys don't like to say movement), is getting totally Trumped.

If I jump, you need to go with me. I'm tired of paid party staff member telling us we need to just toe the line and keep doing it the way we've always done it. That strategy clearly hasn't worked.

[SaschaHM]

77. Get over the age bullshit? You don't even know my fucking age.

Yet you are assuming I'm younger than you. And now I'm paid because I decide to be informed about what Democrats are doing? You're insane. I can't deal with self-righteous anti-Democrat trolls like you. Take your bullshit back to JPR where it belongs.

[HughBeaumont]

13. Just shows the Democratic Party has learned not one fuckin' thing.

NOT. ONE.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

81. We've learned one thing... how to fuck ourselves over by trying to compromise with Rethugs. I say enough's enough!!

[Freethinker65]

14. Let the fu*%ers own the intolerant middle/working class screwing legislation they pass

Vindictive ass-backward legislation that can be overturned should be hung around the GOPs necks and could be turned to the Dems advantage. It sucks, but that is the reality of having no real power. I would concentrate most on protecting public resources from privatization.

[Thrill]

24. Typical wimps

[NCTraveler]

25. This is deceptive and a gross generelaztion brought about with little or no backup.

A bunch of Bro's will be along to cheer shortly.

[Miles Archer]

27. We need a little less Chuck Schumer and a little more Walter Sobchack when dealing with Trump & Co.

[Eliot Rosewater]

78. I couldnt agree more. Well, I dont know enough about what Schumer actually

does or does not want to do or will do, but we can ALWAYS use more Walter no matter the situation.

Masterpiece.

The creation of these characters is genius and the way these two men play them, equal genius.

[smirkymonkey]

29. I'm sorry, but fuck that!

Not any more. It never has worked for us and it never will. This is war.

[shraby]

30. Where did that ever get us? Leaving the vultures who scammed, cheated,

stole from the public out of jail to continue they predations.

Time to hold them accountable one by one by one. Every one incarcerated is one less to cheat us.

[lapucelle]

31. My money's on Schumer for the moment. He's a shrewd politico.

Even his announcement of Sanders appointment to a junior leadership position was canny: take one committee, split it into two committees, vest the power and seniority in the Democrat staying on and the responsibility for outreach and the concomitant heavy lifting in the newcomer.

[Hoyt]

67. +1. I think shrewdness/canniness are all we really have right now.

[RandiFan1290]

32. Have to keep the powder dry

So in 8 years the Democrats can fight to make 98% of trump's tax cuts permanent!

The big battle is coming!!

[TheCowsCameHome]

35. There's no point in rocking the boat.

Especially when you're stuck in steerage and the opposition is at the helm.

[brutus smith]

36. You're right!

I agree 100% Atman. Go along to get along does not work. Remember how everyone said repub obstructionism would cost them the election? Wrong! It embolden their followers.

[TreasonousBastard]

38. You don't remember Pelosi in the first two years of Obama, do you? This...

constant whining about impotent Democrats is getting just a little old. Schumer is my Senator, and I have a lot of complaints about him. But, he's one slick sumbitch and can get what he wants. His way.

This simple fact is that all of Congress and the White House are controlled by extreme Republicans. Fighting them is a losing proposition, working with the reasonable ones gets at least some of what we need.

In two years we have a shot at getting Congress back-- don't self destruct in that time.

[Atman]

40. "...and can get what he wants."

Hmm. WTF does he want? Apparently not what the rest of America wants, or else we wouldn't be in this situation.

Mitch McConnell got what he wanted. He stood up for his constituents and obstructed everything, and brought down the Democratic party. What will Schumer do? Organize a drum circle and do a smudging? No, wait..that's way too "progressive." Nope. He'll just go along with the corportists, let them have their way.

Once again, if we're going to lose anyway, why not FIGHT IT, instead of saying "Oh, i'm sorry for obstructing you. My bad!"

We roll over every time. EVERY TIME. We rolled over for McConnell. We roll over and roll over and expect a belly rub from the voters. When will it end?

[TreasonousBastard]

43. You really don't get the difference between "rolling over" and making the best of a losing hand...

We have been outvoted. We can argue "why" forever, but the situation is that they hold all the cards so we have to play a defensive game.

Throwing sticks at a stone wall has been shown to be a bad idea.

[Atman]

45. No. I'm totally new to this politics stuff.

My years of working in politics apparently have meant nothing. My mindset hasn't changed. I've been screaming this for years, even leading up to the disastrous Obama mid-terms, despite having won awards for my work on Obama's 2008 election. Nope, I was always told we should just reach across the aisle, get along, blah blah blah. Give them our lunch money, then they won't be hungry tomorrow.

Where has it gotten us?

How is playing along with everything they want a "defensive game?" That doesn't sound defensive at all. It sounds like playing the patsy.

[TreasonousBastard]

48. Simply because you're wrong about assuming we're giving them everything they want...

And none of us have been particularly good at getting those red state Congressional seats back.

[Atman]

47. Here's another way to look at it...Since we CAN'T WIN, FIGHT!

FIGHT for a constituency! Fight for people who believe in a progressive cause. We can't win, as you've noted. They control everything...so why go along with them? Why not fight to show progressive Democrats, ANY Democrats, that we're fighting for them, not rolling over to get along? Why can't we do that if we're going to lose anyway? FIGHT FOR THE PEOPLE, not for keeping peace with the people who only want to destroy us?

[TreasonousBastard]

49. Lose the battle, win the war.

[Atman]

51. Or just keep losing, losing, then losing some more.

I'm tired of losing the battles, yet never winning the wars. Maybe it's time to acknowledge we're employing some really shitty strategy.

[brutus smith]

58. Same thing over and over

I can't believe we are still arguing over this. I don't post often, but I'm sick of our Dem congressmen and Senators not fighting for us. When will Dems learn that repubs, especially right wingers, will never, ever get along with us. Time to forge a new path.

[Me.]

54. He's My Senator Also

And I don't trust the guy. I wish he would fight as hard for us as he does for Israel.

[TreasonousBastard]

55. I said I have issues with him-- and that's one of them.

[Me.]

63. Then I Would Say

We are in complete agreement.

I tried calling his offices after the UN thing broke, wanting to say that this time I want him to stand by our country and president, but no one answered and you couldn't even leave a message.

[SaschaHM]

83. I think people care more about instant gratification more than actually clawing our way back.

The last thing we need in 2018 is "Obstructing Democrats never gave Trump a chance" to be the general thought. We ought to let the guy fuck up. Hell, it's entirely too early to start the medicare/social security push. Why spook them before they even commit to something that can play in districts across the country? I'm not saying we shouldn't obstruct some things, but people are mad that folks aren't screaming before even seeing some legislation.

We're literally tearing ourselves apart over... meaningless posturing. And we sit in amazement as Republicans hold together thanks to core rallying issues and win election after election. That is the story of 2016.

[pressbox69]

44. Agitate, agitate, agitate...

let that be the battlecry against Trump and the republicans until doomsday, or sooner under Trump's heel.

[pkdu]

56. This says it all..

[TonyPDX]

59. Careful, or you'll be branded "Far Left" around here.

[Generator]

61. Goodbye Democracy!

[FreeStateDemocrat]

62. This reminds me of how cooperating worked so well in GERMANY during the 1930's any similarities...

are just a coincidence. Primrose lane is a pathway to hell paved with good intentions.

Shumer is another millionaire with guaranteed healthcare and a splendid retirement!!!

How fucking far can I throw this DINO and that is how far I trust him?

The pukes are out to gut the FDR safety net and Mr.Insider has received the memo and still SPEWS this BULLSHIT!!!

I want someone to fight these pricks in this death match not an accomplice, "feel the Bern" he is our new leader.

[doc03]

64. If I said what I think about

Chuck Schumer it would go to the jury.

[nini]

68. I know someone who works with a very well known senator

The warning the staff got was if you're not ready to fight - you need to leave and get out of the way.

She wasn't playing either.

[spanone]

71. he's already on the trump team concerning israeli settlements....fuck chuck

[azmom]

73. They may need middle of the road republican

Votes in their next re-election bid.

[Lotusflower70]

79. Contact your Senators and Representatives

To voice your concerns and to be heard. That's what I have been doing anyway.

I don't know if they are trying to play nice or saying that now but will take action when needed. But maybe letting them know what we are concerned about will help. I say it's worth a shot. Of course I have Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar so that helps.

[HoneyBadger]

87. Chuck just wants to keep dining at the trough

And get some of that Israel lobby $ and slip in Gillibrand as the nominee.

[Tatiana]

88. I'm taking a wait and see approach with Chuck.

He's very wily. Do not underestimate him. He's a very intelligent and shrewd politician.

I think, in general, Democrats don't know how to fight because they haven't really done it within the last couple of decades or more. They've also never been this outgunned and outnumbered before. They, especially the Senators, still believe in the respectful way of doing business.

They are woefully unprepared for the scorched earth vengeance of the Republicans. Hopefully they can be brought up to speed.

[coco22]

90. Well he should get along and ..

ease on down the road and let someone who will fight,take the reins.