(Adnkronos) – “I have known Chuck Schumer for over 30 years, I like Chuck, there is no one who works harder than him, but in my opinion it is time for a change and I will not support Chuck to be re-elected as Democratic leader.” Thus Bernie Sanders announced that he will not support the confirmation of the 76-year-old New York senator to lead the next Democratic majority in the Senate, thus becoming the most prominent figure to join the calls for a renewal, and a shift to the left, of the Democratic leadership after the historic victory of the midterm elections.
In a press conference, the elder senator, considered the historic father of the Democratic left, thus aligned himself with the request for a new Senate leader that came from the new senators whose victory was crucial to winning the majority: Abdul El Sayed, elected in Michigan, Adam Hamilton, in Kansas, Annie Andrews, in South Carolina, and Troy Jackson, in Maine. Explaining his position, Sanders said that Schumer is not doing enough to oppose wage and wealth inequalities that have reached “the highest levels in our country’s history.”
“When we have a young generation that will have lower living standards than their parents, it’s time to address the need to create an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top,” added the former presidential candidate, concluding that he does not believe “Chuck has led in this direction.”
Along with Sanders, the other senator from Michigan, Elissa Slotkin, spoke, explaining that she “does not want to run for the position, but wants change.” “For a long time, we have been saying that we need a new generation of leaders, it is important to show that we have received the message they sent us with the last election,” she added.
The Democratic left is trying to convince Chris Van Hollen to challenge Schumer, and the Maryland senator said he is “actively listening” to colleagues’ suggestions, but did not commit to a possible candidacy. “We should not have a coronation, we should not support anyone as leader without a clear plan, because there are many people who think that change is necessary,” he added.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, another leader of the Democratic left, also said she does not support a new Schumer leadership, although the congresswoman reiterated that the choice rests with the members of the Senate. “I think this is a sentiment I see from various sides, but how the Senate will move, that depends on their decisions,” she stated.
