Chuck Schumer, currently enjoying the position of Senate Majority Leader, expresses confidence that his fellow Democrats will retain their grip on the Senate following the upcoming November election. Riding the wave of apparent enthusiasm ushered in by Kamala Harris taking the party reins seems exhilarating for Schumer. Schumer, playing his clandestine political chess games, had some private discussions with President Joe Biden prior to him conceding his reelection campaign. Although optimistic, this optimism appears contrived in the face of the arduous battle that lays ahead for Senate Democrats, especially when defending seats in territories favouring the Republican nominee, Donald Trump.
The stark contrast drawn against the Republicans is noteworthy, given the once-dismal perspective of the Senate Democrats – a perspective that Harris seems to have altered briefly since her takeover of the Democratic party. Her ascendancy seems to have sent several enthusiasts, donors, and volunteers scurrying to back the Senate races. However, a counter viewpoint held by Republicans suggests that this transient Harris ‘honeymoon’ is due for an unpleasant end, consequently pulling down the chances for Democrats to cling onto the Senate.
Considering the case of Sen. Joe Manchin’s West Virginia post, it appears that the Democrats are almost doomed to relinquish it. The popular Republican Jim Justice has a clear field, as Manchin has decided to retire rather than face an uphill battle. To regain balance and control, the Republicans will then only need to grab one more seat currently held by a Democrat, assuming they maintain their positions where GOP incumbents are currently holding an edge. This battleground primarily includes Texas, where Sen. Ted Cruz competes against Democrat Rep. Colin Allred, and Florida, where Democrat Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, a former congresswoman, is pitted against Sen. Rick Scott.
It seems Schumer, wearing those rose-tinted glasses, hopes that Senate Democrats can salvage their positions based on the policies and legislation marketed by Biden. These include commitments to infrastructure management and developments in manufacturing centers. However, opposition is presented in the form of Republican competitors tethered to Trump and Vance’s approach. According to Schumer’s perspective, having Harris at the helm could lead to more Democrats leveraging the purported momentum and enthusiasm, with ‘people knocking down the doors’ to support Senate campaigns.
Schumer’s apparent lack of surprise at the energy resulting from Harris’ sudden rise is intriguing. He claims that this turn of events unfolded at an accelerated pace. On an uneventful Saturday in mid-July, Schumer paid a private visit to Biden at his beach home. This visit came in response to specific concerns aired by Democratic senators in their private meetings with Biden’s team, particularly about his debate performances against Trump.
Feeling an obligation to have a straightforward talk with Biden, Schumer set up this meeting. During their discussion, things seemed to have remained cordial as he nostalgically recalls a ‘very good meeting’ resulting in a warm hug at the conclusion. Despite this, it was the praising of the work conducted together with Biden during his White House tenure that raises eyebrows. Paradoxically, a week later, Biden bowed out of the race, ending the partnership as surprising as the abrupt ascent of Harris.
Schumer’s Delusional Optimism: Democrats’ Senate Control in Question appeared first on Real News Now.
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