Chuck Schumer gave a speech just now saying

[Lint Head]

he was pleading with Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan to do something. Hey Chuck stop your damn pleading and begging start demanding. Either you're an American or you're not. Either you're acting like an American or you're not. This is a monster in our White House. He is a damn traitor!

[redstatebluegirl]

1. What can they do with no power.

There are no republicans that will vote or support and democrat no matter what. Until November, we are stuck.

[RandomAccess]

23. Speak out MUCH louder and more forcefully, AND

actually "LEAD" the party, and all its constituents across these 50 states to DEMAND the Republicans do something. AND they should stand up and make the Republicans tremble in their seats at the prospect of losing even bigger in November (unless they're counting on Russia to save them -- and they should say THAT, too).

They could share this type of message (and I did share it with my MoC via fax along with a lot of other stuff earlier this afternoon):

It looks like Trump destroyed himself today. https://www.democraticunderground.com/100210879886
But this will take time to sink in. Trump went with Putin, and against the CIA, FBI our allies and the U.S.A. When the country fully understands what happened today, Trump will be gone, one way or another. There is no walking back, and Trump never apologizes for anything. No explanation will work, because there is none. This will be talked about for months. If Republicans defend Trump, it will help Democrats in November. November could see a "blue wave" beyond anything imagined.

[Honeycombe8]

53. Absolutely! This is NOT the time to be weak or use weak words. Demand! Resist!

Tell it like it is!

[RVN VET71]

66. Better to stand up to the lying traitors

If treason -- and the party of treason -- wins the war, at least be remembered as a voice that spoke out, a spine that didn't bend. Maybe your example will inspire those who come after you. If you cave in, those who come after you may be lulled into accepting the Trumpian-GOP kleptocracy as invincible and inevitable.

In short: If the Dems continue to counsel civility in this, we're sure to be screwed once again come November.

[RandomAccess]

68. You can be civil and LOUD -- or semi-civil, depending on how one

defines "civil."

I think tough talk, which some people with dainty sensibilities, shy away from can still be civil.

[olegramps]

40. Raise holy hell.

[RandomAccess]

56. Or, here's an idea --

IMAGINE what the Republicans would be doing if the roles were reversed, and then do HALF of that (or even 1/4).

[triron]

69. +1000

[Blue_Roses]

70. Exactly!

They would be bitching and whining from here to kingdom come.

[vlyons]

2. I just called both my senators, Cornyn and Cruz,

demanding that they vote to raise sanctions on Russia and that they also make a statement criticizingn Trump's embarrassing treasonous performance. We are not powerless. We have voices. Use them!

[RandomAccess]

29. THANK YOU. People here forget that or perhaps are

too lazy and/or cowardly to want to bother.

I'm certainly not referring to anyone here in specific -- but I see far too much of this kind of attitude and it's disturbing to me, very.

WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF LOSING OUR DEMOCRACY, potentially forever. And it won't take much more for that to happen. We're on the cusp -- one good shove by any number of forces aligned against us, or several small nudges, can tip the balance and we're lost.

We're losing our courts (and MUST prevent Kavanaugh from being confirmed), we're losing our election sovereignty and other cybersecurity issues and so may find ourselves even more powerless after November if we're not VERY careful, we're losing our administrative government thru Trump's deliberate destruction of it, and Trump has now made strong essential first steps toward installing a State Media operation.

Everyone here must, must, must become whatever kind of warrior in defense of democracy that they can. I myself am physically unable to get out and protest or even help much with GOTV. But I sure as hell can write my MoC, call, share info and hopefully encourage other DUers to step up to the plate.

Edited to add: GOOD GOD -- he's already building detention centers (aka: concentration camps?)
WAKE UP, people.

[lunasun]

3. Every imp dem should be speaking out

I'm calling my sntr and rep

[RockaFowler]

4. The Democrats can't do a thing, though

The Repukes own this whole thing. None of them will actually stand up and say anything against this traitor.

I think we are seeing the actual end of the Republican Party. It's done. They are now and will forever be known as the Trumplicans.

[mcar]

5. You are misrepresenting Schumer's statement and I don't get why

I watched the entire thing. His remarks were very strong.

He requested hearings, demanded the indicted Russians be brought here for trial, demanded increased sanctions.

The last part - the only part you note - was effective in that it pointed out that Ryan and McConnell will do nothing.

This "Democrats are weak" meme is simply wrong and not becoming of DU.

[global1]

8. In My Opinion Schumer's Words Were Strong But His Delivery Was Weak....

I would like to hear more fire in Schumer's voice - much like what we used to hear out of the mouth of Ted Kennedy. When he was riled up - he showed it. Schumer's delivery comes off as weak to me. Just my humble opinion.

[grantcart]

10. Or like his full throated attack on the Iranian agreement.

He was very riled up and 100% wrong.

Schumer is very much a mixed bag

[Tatiana]

12. He's not a good leader.

The skill set is not in him to be what we need during these times.

[JHan]

15. A minority leader?

No seriously, I really want to know what people expect from a congressional leader who has no power.

Wanna know why Mitch was able to do the shit he did? Because he was Senate Majority Leader - that's it. Period.

Mitch McConnell is a boring politician, with as much charisma as damp laundry. And he was able to obstruct Obama because Republican voters gave him the power to do so. It really ain't more complicated than that.

[George II]

31. That was said about Harry Reid, too. Some will never be satisfied.

[Tatiana]

64. Reid was a good leader.

He also had a decent repertoire of tactics, maybe borrowing from his boxing days.

Schumer is not even in the same league, honestly. I'd take Durbin, in a heartbeat.

[mcar]

11. "His delivery was weak?" Really?

We have a fcking traitor in the WH, the Republicans are complicit and we are going to slam a Democratic leader because he's not the greatest speech maker ever?

C'mon global1, we have way more important things to worry about.

Schumer's statement was strong - I had no problem with his delivery, either, but YMMV. In the meantime, McConnell issued a weak sauce statement through his spokesperson and Ryan's statement never mentioned Dotard at all.

The MSM, even Fox so far, are as one in their criticism of the WH traitor. Yet, here on DU, we are misrepresenting a Democratic leader's statement and getting into discussion about his voice.

[global1]

14. First - What Does YMMV Mean?.....

It should be expected that the Repug statements coming from their mouths would be weak. They are supportive of this president.

I did say Schumer's words were strong. Very strong. (One thing he left out was he should have said - no SCOTUS appointment until after Mueller's report is out and we find out if Trump is guilty or exonerated).

I'm not slamming Schumer. I'm simply saying I'd like to see him and other Dems get fired up and let their frustrations come out in their delivery. Schumer is a nice guy - a gentleman. I just think it's time for the Dems to show their anger in their statements and in their voice. Give their constituents something to really get fired up about as well. Get them to GOTV in Nov. Being mild-mannered might not GOTV like a Ted Kennedy fire-ry delivery.

I've sat in the gallery of the Senate when Ted Kennedy let loose. He made an impact - both on the floor of the Senate and on the news shows that played back his speeches. We need more of that from the Dems in Congress. Ted Kennedy motivated Dems. I guess I miss Ted.

[George II]

32. You've got 18,000 posts on a discussion site and you don't know what YMMV means??

[PoliticAverse]

34. YMMV - "Your Mileage May Vary", i.e. - you may get/see a different result/thing. n/t

[mcar]

36. Your mileage may vary

I miss Ted too. Schumer doesn't have his oratory skills, for sure. Still, I think he said what needed to be said and didn't get in the way of the R train wreck.

Look up Schiff's CNN interview from a few hours ago. He was pretty fired up, in his Schiff way.

[Honeycombe8]

54. No. This is part of the problem. The country is on the verge of becoming Russia.

Now is NOT the time to plead, use weak words, beat around the bush, or worry about being respectful or trying to work with traitors.

It sure won't be the other side that does those things. It MUST be the Dems!

Get Maxine Waters or Sheila Jackson, or call back Al Franken. Do SOMETHING! Don't beg from a weak position.

[Sugarcoated]

13. I know, right?

No passion. What Trump did is an OUTRAGE so SHOW IT

[Greybnk48]

30. Agree. Schumer was not mealy mouthed at all. n/t

[Me.]

78. Totally Agree With You

I thought for once he was really strong and yet here he is getting slammed and I am sick of the DEms are weak meme....nice projection of Con talking points

[mcar]

82. It never ends

Even today. It's so discouraging.

[Me.]

86. And Where I Have To Ask Myself Now

is it actually coming from?

[mcar]

88. Good question

[Greybnk48]

89. I thought that too. Jumping right on Schumer and trying

to make us angry with him. And on a Democratic site, no less.

[Me.]

90. Right?

[emulatorloo]

6. Maybe you should focus yr ire on McConnell and Ryan rather than misrepresenting Schumer's statement

McConnell and Ryan are the majority leaders and they have the power to do something.

Schumer’s correct in laying this at their feet and calling them out.

[mcar]

9. Yes, Let's actually hold Republicans accountable

Instead of cherry picking Democrats' statements to slam them. One would think we on this Democratic board would be doing that, especially today of all days.

[Polly Hennessey]

7. Then get out there and tell

the American people just what is happening in the harshest language possible—no more pleading and begging monsters to, “please, don’t hurt me.” Schumer and Pelosi should be developing plans to neuter the Republicans and the Administration when we win in November. Let us be wily, canny, and devious for once. Our way of life may depend on it.

[peggysue2]

16. Why don't we try this

Direct all our justified anger and outrage at the Trumpster, his acolytes and Republican enablers, instead of pretending that Schumer and/or Pelosi--in their minority status--can shut this treasonous oaf down. The Republicans could control this. The fact that they're unwilling to do anything but murmur about 'disturbing & troubling" in regards to the Trumpster's performance is to their ever-lasting shame.

Even Joe Walsh, Tea Partier extraordinaire, called Trump a frigging traitor.

For Corker--someone not even running in November--to say the word treason is over-the-top exemplifies what a bunch of cowards these men and women are.

Place the responsibility where it belongs: The GOP and Republican-controlled House and Senate.

Yes, as Dems we should express our outrage. But criticizing Schumer on style points is flat-out ridiculous.

[FakeNoose]

19. Good call Peggysue2 - this is not the time to attack Dem leaders

I'll give John McCain credit for really letting Cheeto have it today. Maybe his thinks it's his last chance, I don't know.

It's right out there for every American to see now. Trump is a traitor, a conspirator, and complicit with our worst enemy. Let's see what the GOP leaders are gonna do about it. This isn't partisan politics any more. Tick-tock Motherfuckers.

[RandomAccess]

20. No it's not ridiculous -- They MUST start being louder and more insistent

or -- contribute to the loss of our democracy, potentially forever.

It's that simple.

However, everyone who sees things the way I do needs to be telling THEM, not the rest of us.

[peggysue2]

35. Right!

Because criticizing our Democratic leadership for not being loud enough is so-o-o very constructive during a National Security crisis. Let alone before the most consequential election cycle of our lifetimes.

My point remains: direct your anger at the right target instead of wasting ammunition on god damn style points.

The Democratic Party is not the enemy nor the enabler of the Treason Weasel in the White House. The GOP and their spineless representatives are responsible and treasonous in their silence and/or muted responses.

[RandomAccess]

38. There's no reason

I can't direct my anger at BOTH. Except I'm not angry with the Dems, just a bit frustrated. Why are you trying to mischaracterize this?

The Democratic Party is not the enemy nor the enabler of the Treason Weasel in the White House. The GOP and their spineless representatives are responsible and treasonous in their silence and/or muted responses.

And no one will ever know that, except for the 10% or less of the population who actually follow politics, unless someone speaks loud enough for them to be heard.

[peggysue2]

42. The True Believers will never . . .

get the message, not if Schumer were to use a bullhorn. The only thing they'll hear is what the Repugs and Fox News and right-wing radio broadcast and repeat endlessly.

Who we can appeal to are the moderate Republicans who are leaving the swamp creature and coming into the light.

We'll have to agree to disagree on this one, Random.

Sorry, but I still think your approach is counterproductive and only appeals to the Trumpster's ardent fans who get a rise and a talking point over every arrow we direct towards one of our own.

And in this case, I really do think the criticism is . . . ridiculous.

[RandomAccess]

45. I'm not talking about trying to reach the True Believers

I have no use for them and no interest in even discussing them. They are LOST -- dead to me, to borrow a phrase, and will remain so.

I'm talking about trying to reach, via mainstream media network broadcast news, all those people who are essentially GOOD and decent folks but who don't usually bother paying attention to politics. They maybe didn't even vote. They may be Democrats or Republicans or Independents, or nothing. Maybe not even registered (yet).

They're ONLY source of info about politics is network news or possibly Yahoo or other headline aggregators they happen to fly by on their way to --- whatever.

THEY are getting all Trump's lies repeated ad infinitum because (a) the MSM doesn't do a very good job of refuting them (e.g.,: no collusion, 13 angry Democrats, Democratic obstruction and much more)), and (b) no one is pushing back on those lies much if at all.

We NEED a different strategy for these lies. We CANNOT ALLOW them to continue to go unchallenged. We can't afford it; the country can't afford it. The Dems are not the enemy that Trump tries to make us, for his own purposes.

I think you didn't / don't understand my point if you think I was referring in any way to Trumpsters, OR if you think my point is in any way counterproductive.

[peggysue2]

49. I think I've already explained . . .

what I think and how I see the issue, Random.

You are now kicking a dead horse.

We're done here.

[JHan]

25. ++++++++++++

[lapucelle]

17. Chuck and Nancy led the fight for Russian sanctions last year.

Due to their leadership, every Democrat in both chambers voted "yes" to Russia sanctions. There were even many who crossed the aisle to join Democrats on this measure. I blame the Republican enablers who voted "no" for helping to lead the country down this path.

They need to apologize for that "no vote" on sanctions and take responsibility for the damage they have done. It was a stunning lapse in judgement.

[George II]

28. Sanctions were passed by the House by a vote of 419-3, the Senate by 98-2.

Both houses are led by republicans.

Yet this is Democrats' fault?

BTW, it's sunny here where I live, FUCKING DEMOCRATS!!!! It's THEIR fault, dammit!

[lapucelle]

33. Maybe Chuck can tweet out a statement

saying something like...

We must speak with one voice in making clear to Vladimir Putin: "We will not allow you to interfere in our democratic processes."

Now that would be real leadership!

[sheshe2]

47. ...

[sheshe2]

55. Thank you, lapucelle.

No one knows what is going on behind the scenes. All the hard work done quietly that doesn't get the air time. Chuck and Nancy do their jobs. I see no need to scream in front of the camera for a 'look at me moment' that frankly does not seal the deal because that happens quietly. If you only react to the loudest person in the room then you will miss what is really happening behind the scenes.. and who is actually doing it.

Due to their leadership, every Democrat in both chambers voted "yes" to Russia sanctions. There were even many who crossed the aisle to join Democrats on this measure.

I blame the Republican enablers who voted "no" for helping to lead the country down this path.

They need to apologize for that "no vote" on sanctions and take responsibility for the damage they have done. It was a stunning lapse in judgement.

Truth.

[still_one]

18. Schumer said nothing wrong, but the haters can't help themselves. Perhaps if those self-identified

progressives had voted for the Democratic nominee in 2016 instead of either voting third party or not voting we wouldn’t be in this situation and we would have the majority in the Senate

You remember the Senate, where every Democratic running for Senate in those critical swing states lost to the incumbent, establishment, Republican

If you are looking to criticize someone perhaps that is where you should start

Everyone knew that trump was a racist, sexist, bigot, and that the SC was at stake, and still they refused to vote for the Democratic nominee

[Behind the Aegis]

24. Notice the bigoted innuendo there too?

I really think some expect our representatives to come out with some type of weapon, Rambo style, and anything less is "weak" in their eyes.

[mcar]

57. +1000!

[Honeycombe8]

58. There's plenty of blame to go around. In the absence of Repubs doing something, it must be US!

None of this "if you please...please stop this" bs. Stern, bold, call-it-like-it-is words are called for NOW. Now is not the time to try to "work with" the Repubs, be concerned about being respectful, or beat around the bush.

We are on the verge of becoming a Russian satellite country. A Democratic leader needs to step forward and SAY that! SAY out loud that the Emperor has no clothes, the country is in danger, and we are under attack even by our own President.

If he can't do it, he needs to step aside for someone who can and will.

[George II]

21. How the FUCK can you blame this on Schumer and the Democrats? Wanna explain, please?

[smirkymonkey]

71. +1000

[GulfCoast66]

22. trump sells out the nation, McConnell and Ryan continue to enable him, and your response...

Post on DU criticizing a democrat.


Got it.

[George II]

26. Yeah..............

[mcar]

39. This is what I'm saying

[sheshe2]

59. Ummhmm

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

27. Imagine if a group of D's in both the Senate and House

called for press conference daily to demand the R's do something....... at least I'd feel better if they did that.

[RandomAccess]

51. Or even once a week --

with counters to the lies and explanations about what's happening that isn't reaching most people thru normal media channels. I think that could be very powerful.

[Initech]

37. Mitch is 100% complicit in this.

He should be heading to prison along with Trump.

[bhusar]

41. Grow a pair Chuck

Sometimes you are brilliant, but other times you want to play the grownup. Demand they do something because if they don't, that means they are in with him and enabling treason. That's what you need to say.

[calimary]

63. Welcome to DU, bhusar!

Indeed.

If they don't, they're complicit. If you don't do something to stop it, then YOU are helping to spread it.

There's already an unnamed GOP Congressman who's mentioned in the latest indictments. Bet he's not the only one. I suspect a LOT of these fiends have dirty hands.

Party FIRST. Country when we get around to it if it pays, politically.

[bhusar]

72. Thanks

I am here, but don't post much because sometimes I don't want to get mixed up in the real intense discussions. I'll be posting more.

[JCMach1]

43. Blockk everything until the investigation is done, closely followed by impeachment

In the House

[mcar]

61. How can the Democrats do this?

[brer cat]

74. By circling the unicorns, silly.

Then everyone claps and Tinker Bell flies in to save the day!

[mcar]

76. ...

Thanks, brer. I needed that.

[liberalmuse]

44. I've emailed my Senators.

I am going to start calling now.

[elmac]

46. the fascist pigs would have dc turned upside down

if a Dem pres pulled this shit, even if they were the minority. Talk is cheap at times like this.

[Native]

48. Here's link to Schumer's full press conference

One simply can't rely on snippets to get a feel for it. He comes in at the 4:39 mark.

[mcar]

62. Thanks for this, Native

His anger is palpable.

[peggysue2]

65. The headline on this says it all

If you go to the You Tube site, you can read the comments shredding Schumer and the Democratic Party.

What could that be about, eh.

We can't afford to allow the opposition play us like this.

Btw, Native, thanks for the full video. Regardless of where you personally stand on the question, the full vid and presentation is important so viewers can judge for themselves.

[Hortensis]

50. Lint Head, Schumer's a pro doing a pro's job.

If people who don't know what it is to know something had been too busy playing video games in 2016 to prove it, we might have won in spite of everything else. They almost lost everything, you know.

Instead, we did.

November 6 is coming up fast.

[Honeycombe8]

52. I'd like to see Maxine Waters or Sheila Jackson standing at the podium right now.

Talk about plain, bold talking & sayin' it like it is. They don't plead.

[Chickensoup]

60. Yes Yes Yes I have been dying to hear that

for a long time.

[NCjack]

67. Schumer and Pelsoi need to find a TV news camera and

scream their heads off -- the president is a traitor and Trump party Majority Leader McConnell and Speaker of the House Ryan are failing to exercise their constitutional power to remove him!!!

[duforsure]

73. Maybe they should suggest

Trump and putin have something on them too.

[ck4829]

75. K&R

[Gothmog]

77. I support Senator Schumer

Link to tweet

[JI7]

79. I'm glad Schumer doesn't behave like an ignorant loud mouth jackass

like the republicans in the house.

as if the bigots who spew george soros conspiracies and support trump will change their position if a jewish senator from ny just said it differently.

[NurseJackie]

80. JFC! GMAGDFB!

Either you're an American or you're not. Either you're acting like an American or you're not.

JFC! GMAGDFB!

Even now, still bashing Democrats? Seriously? Now? Why? What good can come of this type of smear? It serves no good purpose to say things like this. (But it does reveal quite a lot. It tells me much. Probably more than you intended.)

[mcar]

84. Judge Judy eyeroll for the win!

Even today, Democrats are held to a ridiculous standard - on this Democratic board.

[eleny]

81. He needs to do this in front of the cameras and stay there the whole night with the rest of the Dems

[MineralMan]

83. And what, exactly, are you doing?

Aside from complaining about Democrats, I mean.

[Lint Head]

85. The question is what are you doing?

I have called every Senator and representative I can possibly think of and told them we have a monster and a traitor in the White House. I will shout it from the rooftops.
Are you saying you cannot complain about Democrats? I have been a Democrat ever since my voting age. In the early 1960s. It's called Free Speech. You should be able to complain about anything you want to complain about in this country. We definitely have spineless Democrats in office and it's time to run them out. Thank God they're being defeated in primaries by younger people who may actually do something to change this travesty rather than complaining about someone who has a right to complain about someone in his own party.

[Amaryllis]

87. Biden's statement said this was beneath the dignity of an American president and we all need

to speak out...arrggghhhh.