By Charles Switzer
11:12am PDT, Mar 21, 2025
Senator Bennet's Discontent With Leadership
During a public town hall held in Golden, Colorado, on Wednesday, March 19, Senator Michael Bennet voiced rare and pointed frustration with Democratic leadership in the Senate, particularly directed at Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.While he did not directly call for Schumer's resignation, Bennet implied it may be time for new leadership. He stated that leadership roles should be reevaluated periodically, saying, "It's important for people to know when it's time to go," the New York Post reported.
"It's always better to examine whether folks are in the right place, and we're certainly going to have that conversation," he also said.
This echoed similar discussions within the party last year about former President Joe Biden's age and reelection bid.
Here's what happened…
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Schumer's Controversial Vote and Party Reactions
Chuck Schumer, who has served in the Senate since 1998 following a long tenure in the House, drew criticism after voting in favor of a Republican-led bill to prevent a partial government shutdown.This move angered progressives in the party who hoped Democrats could use the looming shutdown to negotiate policy concessions. Despite the backlash, Schumer was joined by nine other Democrats — including Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin — in supporting the procedural vote to pass the measure.
Behind-the-Scenes Frustration From Bennet
Reports from CNN indicate that Michael Bennet did not hold back in private discussions, many of which were reportedly about Chuck Schumer. In a closed-door meeting, he reportedly chastised Senate leadership for lacking a coherent plan, clear messaging or strategic foresight.His criticism seems to highlight a growing divide within the Democratic caucus regarding how to oppose Republican proposals most effectively.
Defending Schumer's Tactics
Though Chuck Schumer's office has not publicly addressed Michael Bennet's concerns, the minority leader offered justification for his decision in an appearance on ABC's The View.Schumer argued that allowing a government shutdown could have played into the hands of figures like President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, potentially accelerating efforts to slash federal spending.
His allies maintain that Schumer acted in the party's best interest under difficult circumstances, serving as a buffer for vulnerable Democrats in competitive races.
Calls for Strategy Shift, Not Leadership Change
While some Democratic figures, like Rep. Glenn Ivey, have suggested new Senate leadership may be needed, no Democratic senator has officially called for Chuck Schumer's removal.Senators such as Chris Murphy and Sheldon Whitehouse have publicly supported Schumer, while acknowledging that the party must rethink its strategic approach.
Murphy emphasized the need for internal dialogue about tactics, whereas Whitehouse defended Schumer and his colleagues as having made thoughtful, principled decisions in a complicated political moment.
