Insurgent Democratic Candidates Are Ready to Run on Shutdown Betrayal

Shutdown Deal Backlash: A Crackdown on Schumer Sparks Infighting Within the Democratic Party

The Senate shutdown deal has sparked a wave of outrage among Democrats, with many primary candidates calling for Sen. Chuck Schumer to step down as leader. The centrist senator played a key role in negotiating the deal, which passed in both chambers but was heavily criticized by progressives and moderates alike.

In Iowa, two Democratic primary candidates have joined the chorus of criticism against Schumer's leadership, citing his supposed failure to prevent the shutdown from occurring. Meanwhile, state Rep. Josh Turek has received backing from the establishment-fundraising arm aligned with Schumer but has remained quiet on whether the senator should resign.

The backlash in Iowa highlights a larger trend within the party: moderates and progressives are increasingly at odds over the deal's passage. While some centrists see it as a tactical blunder, many progressives view it as a sign of deeper rot within the party's leadership.

"This is not just about tactics; it's about worldview," said Ezra Levin, co-founder of Indivisible, which has made opposition to Schumer's leadership a condition for its support in primaries next year. "There are senators who do not believe this is a crisis or that we should take drastic action, and they think we should lay low."

Some have criticized the deal as an example of the party's gerontocracy problem, with centrist Democratic Rep. Seth Moulton saying Schumer's leadership style has become too entrenched.

In contrast, progressive groups like Justice Democrats are viewing the deal through a more critical lens, arguing that it represents a betrayal of working-class voters who supported the Democratic Party.

The fallout from the shutdown deal is likely to have long-term implications for the party. As Rep. Glenn Ivey noted in March, "If you're not willing to fight 'til the last dog dies,' then you should step down."

In the coming year, Democrats will face a number of tests, including whether Schumer's leadership can withstand the growing divide within the party.

I'm so done with these shutdowns it's like we're always playing this game of chicken and honestly I don't think Chuck Schumer is doing enough to address the root issues. Moderates are getting frustrated because they feel their concerns aren't being heard, while progressives are seeing it as a betrayal because they think he prioritized deals over people . Meanwhile, we have all these primary candidates stepping up and speaking out... I just wish we could focus on finding solutions that work for everyone . The gerontocracy comment got me thinking though - is this really what we want our party to be about?

I don't think it's fair to trash Chuck Schumer like that . I mean, he was trying to get something done, and we're stuck in this gridlock. The deal might not be perfect, but it's a start. Some of these Democrats are just looking for a scapegoat . And let's be real, Schumer's got experience on his side – the guy's been around for ages! He knows how to work with both sides (well, most of the time ). We shouldn't be so quick to write him off just yet .

The drama unfolding in the Democratic Party is wild . I think Schumer's deal was a calculated risk and it didn't quite pay off for everyone. The fact that moderates and progressives are at each other's throats shows how deep-seated these divisions are. It's not just about tactics, but about fundamentally different worldviews . Schumer's centrist approach might be seen as weak by some, while others view it as a pragmatic attempt to build consensus . But the question remains: can this party reconcile its differences and come out stronger on the other side? Only time will tell

I'm low-key surprised how strong the reaction is . I mean, Chuck Schumer played it safe, which often gets a bad rep in progressive circles... but come on, no shutdown = a win for the party? Maybe it's time to rethink what "moderate" means? On the other hand, some people are reading way too much into this deal... like, it's just politics, folks! I'm all for fighting for your values, but don't burn bridges or hurt the party in the process... that's not progress.

I feel bad for Sen. Chuck Schumer , he's been doing his thing for a long time and this sudden backlash is tough to handle. It's not just about him, though - this shutdown deal has exposed some deeper divisions within the Democratic Party . Some people think it was a great deal (centrists) while others feel it didn't go far enough (progressives). Can't we all just get along? It's gonna be interesting to see how Schumer navigates these tricky waters and whether he can find common ground between the moderates and progressives. Fingers crossed for him!

I gotta say, this whole Schumer thing is wild ... I mean, I get why some ppl are mad at him - he did play a key role in gettin' the shutdown deal passed, and that was super unpopular with progressives. But at the same time, I think it's kinda unfair to be callin' for his resignation right off the bat. He's been leader of the Dem party for ages, and folks are startin' to say he's too entrenched? That's like complainin' a ship has lost its way because it's been sailin' in one direction for years .

I think this whole gerontocracy thing is kinda a legit criticism, though. If Schumer's leadership style is really so outdated and toxic that it's causin' divisions within the party... then maybe he should step down? But it's not just about him, it's about whether the party has a vision for the future without him at the helm . This whole thing feels like a big ol' mess, but I guess that's what happens when you're tryin' to pass compromise legislation

I'm kinda worried about this whole thing ... but I think it's also an opportunity for us to re-examine what we want from our party leaders. Maybe Schumer just didn't have all the right answers this time, and that's okay! We can learn from his leadership style and work together to create a more inclusive space for everyone. I mean, Rep Glenn Ivey's quote about fighting till the last dog dies is pretty intense ... but it's also super motivating! The fact that there are people like Rep Josh Turek who are backing Schumer despite the backlash shows us that we can have different opinions and still work together. And hey, some of our progressive groups might just be right – if working-class voters feel betrayed by their party, then maybe we need to do some soul-searching!

I'm shocked by all this infighting in the Democratic Party ... I mean, I thought they were supposed to be united on some things! It seems like Chuck Schumer got roasted for trying to find a middle ground, but now it's every Democrat for themselves . I just hope they can get their act together before next year's primaries or else who knows what will happen ... it's not easy being a leader, especially when you've got so many opinions and personalities in the mix .

just what we need, another Senate shutdown and another excuse for people to turn on each other . I mean, come on, if you're gonna blame Chuck Schumer for something, at least have the decency to look like you're having a good time doing it . The thing is, this whole 'crackdown' on Schumer feels like just another case of the party eating its own tail ... who's next?

man this shutdown deal was always gonna be a minefield for dems... schumer played it safe but i guess that's just how centrist politics goes down . still, gotta wonder if he can keep the party together or if the moderates and progressives are gonna start a full-blown civil war . personally, i think it's all about Schumer's legacy - will he be able to adapt or is he gonna stick with his tried-and-true approach? either way, it's gonna be interesting to see how this plays out in the primaries...

idk what's going on with democrats lately ... it feels like they're all fighting each other over how to lead the party . chuck schumer seems like a big part of the problem, but i'm not sure if taking him down is the right answer . isn't the goal to have more people in office who represent the values of the average voter?

i think it's weird that some dems are calling for schumer to step down just because he didn't get what they wanted . shouldn't we be trying to find common ground and compromise instead of attacking each other ?

I'M FREAKING OUT OVER THIS SHUTDOWN DEAL BACKLASH!!!! IT'S LIKE, SCHUMER AND THE DEMS THOUGHT THEY COULD JUST PASS THIS DEAL WITHOUT ANYONE NOTICING HOW BADLY IT WAS FOR PROGRESSIVES & MODERATES ALIKE... NEWSFLASH: PEOPLE ARE TALKING AND IT'S TIME FOR SOME SERIOUS CHANGES!!!

The whole thing is just super messy . I mean, Schumer was trying to find common ground with Republicans and get something done, but it feels like the left side of the party is just not on board with that anymore. It's like they're pitting him against his own colleagues and it's not fair .

I think this whole thing says a lot about where the Democratic Party is headed in terms of policy and leadership style. Are we gonna keep playing nice with Republicans or are we gonna be more aggressive? I don't know, but I do know that Schumer's approach isn't gonna fly if he wants to stay as leader .

The thing that really gets me is that this is exactly what Ezra Levin was talking about - it's not just about the shutdown deal, it's about the worldview of people like Schumer. They don't see a crisis or they don't think we need drastic action? That's just not how most Democrats feel .

And meanwhile, groups like Justice Democrats are right to be upset that their priorities aren't being represented. I mean, who do these politicians really represent if not the people who voted for them in the first place? It's time for some real leadership and some real accountability .

So it seems like people are really upset with Schumer after the shutdown deal... I mean, who wouldn't be? It's not exactly a great look for the party when they're criticizing one of their own leaders for not doing enough to prevent a shutdown . And now, some people are even calling for him to step down, which is pretty crazy considering he was trying to negotiate a deal in the first place .

I think what's really interesting here is that this whole thing highlights how divided the party is on issues like this. We've got moderates and progressives who can't seem to agree on anything . And it makes you wonder, are there enough Democrats out there who want to work together and find common ground? Or are we just stuck in a cycle of infighting that's going to make it hard for us to win elections?

I also think it's worth noting that this whole thing could have some long-term implications for the party. If Schumer can't keep his base happy, then who will step up to take his place? And if they can't find a way to work together, then we're really in trouble .

I THINK IT'S TIME FOR SCHUMER TO TAKE A STEP BACK AND REASSESS HIS LEADERSHIP STYLE!!! THE DEMS ARE GETTING FRUSTRATED WITH THE PARTY'S DIRECTION AND IT'S ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE IF THEY DON'T MAKE SOME CHANGES!!! IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT TACTICS, IT'S ABOUT SHOWING THAT THE PARTY STILL CARES ABOUT THE WORKING CLASS AND FIGHTING FOR THEIR INTERESTS!!!

I'm thinking Schumer's got some major explaining to do . I mean, who wants to shut down the government? It's not like it's gonna help anyone in the long run. The fact that moderates and progressives are at each other's throats over this deal is pretty telling. It's time for Schumer to step up (pun intended) and show some leadership .

And what's with all these Democratic primary candidates calling for his head? Don't get me wrong, I love a good shake-up in the party, but if they're not willing to put in the work to build consensus, maybe they shouldn't be leading the charge .

It's all about worldview, right? Some people genuinely think that crisis situations like this call for radical action, while others think we should just sit back and twiddle our thumbs. I don't know about you, but I'd rather have a party that's willing to take some risks and fight for its principles .

I'm low-key worried about what's gonna happen in the Dem primary next year . I mean, it's already getting crazy with people attacking Chuck Schumer and some of them actually want him out as leader . The thing is, Schumer isn't exactly the most liked guy to begin with, so this might just be a case of people throwing shade at each other . But seriously, if they can't even agree on something like this, it's gonna make it tough for them to win back voters in 2026 . And let's not forget that some of these folks are saying he should step down, but what's the alternative? Another leader who might just make things worse?

This shutdown deal drama is getting wild in the Democratic Party! I gotta say, I'm surprised at how divided they are over Chuck Schumer's role in it... some are calling for him to step down while others see it as a solid move . On one hand, you've got your progressive groups like Justice Democrats who think he sold out on working-class voters, and on the other hand, you've got moderates who feel like they got taken advantage of .

I'm curious to see how this all plays out in the primaries next year... will Schumer's leadership style hold up or is it time for a change? One thing's for sure, though - it's gonna be a wild ride!

honestly cant believe Schumer thought negotiating with republicans would be a good idea. like what did he expect to get out of it? i mean the guy played a key role in the deal but still managed to anger half the party... talk about a leadership fail meanwhile, its all about who gets to decide what's "crisis" and what's not for these politicians. just seems like they're trying to one up each other on who can be most "tough"