"... The Democrats had an amazing victory last week. They are going to end up with large majorities in both the House and Senate. But with Donald Trump still in the White House, they will have difficult terrain to negotiate. Nonetheless, it is essential that they have something to show voters who put their faith in them last week.
"This means having a bold leadership that is willing to step up and take some risks to push a progressive agenda. Chris Van Hollen can fit that bill; Chuck Schumer does not. [snip]
"There also is the reality that the Senate leader is an important face for the opposition party. No one can think that Schumer fills this role well. Even when he is making good points, his presentation is usually cringeworthy. (I’m serious, look at one of his clips if you don’t believe me.)
"Last week’s election gives Democrats an incredible opportunity, but it is essential that they not blow it. As the political strategist Anat Shenker-Osario put it, their majorities in both houses were rented, not owned. They need to be able to show results for voters; otherwise, we will not have seen the end of the MAGA nightmare." -- Dean Baker, in his eponymous Substack, arguing that "a new majority needs a new leader." Baker addresses the reasons, both policy-wise and personality-wise why Van Hollen would be the better Majority Leader for the new wave of Democrats coming off an historic election. Let's hope Senate Democrats have the vision to understand that.
No comments:
Post a Comment