Rep. Ro Khanna is buckling down on criticisms of Sen. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, throwing his support behind bolder Democrats as he calls for a change in Democratic leadership.
The California Democrat told host Kristen Welker on NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday that though Schumer was “terrific” under former President Joe Biden, the New York lawmaker no longer inspires confidence in Democratic voters.
“The question is what is the future of Democratic leadership. Who is going to be effective? And most Democrats around the country just don’t think that person is Chuck Schumer,” Khanna said.
“I mean, he doesn’t inspire confidence. He’s not bold. He’s out of touch with the grassroots. He’s someone who cheer-led us into the war in Iraq. He doesn’t have the moral clarity on Gaza. He couldn’t say [Zohran] Mamdani’s name. And this was the final straw, where he was not strong on fighting for health care.”
Following the Senate’s vote to advance a variation on the House-passed stopgap last week — which passed only with the help of seven Democrats and one independent who caucuses with the party — Khanna accused Schumer of being ineffective and called for his removal.
On Sunday, Khanna praised some leading Senate Democrats, calling Sen. Chris Murphy (Conn.) a “top leader” and Sens. Cory Booker (N.J.) and Brian Schatz (Hawaii) “dynamic” as well as saying he “appreciates” the ideology of Sen. Elizabeth Warren (Mass.).
Some Democrats have rushed to Schumer’s defense.
In a separate interview with Welker on Sunday, Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) — who voted for the resolution — said Schumer has been an “effective leader.”
Kaine also revealed he told Schumer ahead of the vote that he didn’t need a “permission slip” from the minority leader.
“Being the minority leader is tough,” said Kaine. “We don’t control what’s on the floor. And you know if you’re dealing with senators … it’s not exactly like senators just get in line and follow the leader.”
“I don’t tell Ro Khanna or AOC or anybody else who you should pick as your House leader because I got a full-time job being a senator,” Kaine added. “I don’t need to freelance opinions about House leadership. They should focus on their own leadership and let senators do what we need to do to keep this country moving forward.”
