The “Schumer shutdown” appears to be coming to an end, aligning with celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps and Veterans Day. Although there are still votes pending and some cleanup to do for airports and SNAP recipients, this lengthy federal government shutdown will mark a notable moment in political history regarding Schumer’s leadership.
It’s possible that some of the eight Senate Democrats who switched sides over the weekend felt conflicted attending events honoring the Corps and veterans after their roles in this situation. We can’t know their true motivations, and it’s probably not wise to take Democratic leaders’ public explanations at face value. To be fair, three of the eight who voted to reopen the government deserve a bit more understanding compared to the 39 other Senate Democrats.
The senators who broke ranks include Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen from Nevada, Dick Durbin from Illinois, John Fetterman from Pennsylvania, Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen from New Hampshire, and Tim Kaine from Virginia, plus Independent Angus King from Maine.
Republicans argue that Schumer’s shutdown was driven by fear of a primary challenge from AOC.
Cortez, Masto, Fetterman, and King have consistently sided with Republicans in favor of reopening the government. The reasons behind the actions of the other five remain unclear, but, honestly, it might not matter much.
Throughout this extended shutdown, Congressional Democrats behaved in a rather juvenile manner. While many voters might forget this episode that caused significant discomfort for numerous Americans, Republicans will likely remind them that the government shutdown lasted this long due to Democrats’ fears of rising progressive factions within their party.
In terms of fallout, Chuck Schumer clearly emerges as the biggest loser, especially considering the real-world impact on everyday people. Schumer’s approach aimed to shield him from a potential primary challenge from Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in 2028, which is significant. New York’s Democratic primary is set for February 1, 2028, and it raises questions about whether AOC could run in both the Senate and presidential primaries.
A recent Data for Progress poll suggests AOC leads Schumer by 19 points in a hypothetical primary matchup. If AOC could indeed run for both offices, it would likely complicate Schumer’s odds of remaining in the Senate. While the details are still fuzzy, Schumer’s anxiety about the election landscape is evident.
Schumer’s record of the “Schumer Shutdown” will follow him like a burden, akin to Marley’s chains in “A Christmas Carol.” There may be no actual ghosts, but the implications of this episode will linger politically, and Schumer will have to contend with its fallout long after the current crisis fades from public memory.
Unlike his predecessor Harry Reid, who is often remembered for changing Senate rules effectively, Schumer’s leadership is overshadowed by this costly blunder. Reid set the stage for significant judicial nominations, while Schumer has relied on a shutdown that ultimately did little to boost Democratic chances in recent elections.
Schumer’s belief that this shutdown would help solidify his position after more than 50 years in office seems misguided. This stunt seems to have left him with more questions about his future than victories. The apparent threat from AOC has led Schumer to make decisions that may come back to haunt him in 2028, or even sooner. How many other Senate Democrats are beginning to realize they might need a change in leadership going forward?
In retrospect, Schumer’s decisions might lead him to be remembered, similar to former Speaker Pelosi, as someone who overstayed his welcome in politics. What lasting achievements can be attributed to Schumer? This may ultimately feel like an empty legacy.
But, that’s just the unpredictable nature of life, I suppose.
