'Security concerns': Schumer postpones book tour after facing calls to resign
AlterNet2 days ago
Schumer Cancels Book Tour Amid Budget Vote Backlash
Above: US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) walks in Statuary Hall at the US Capitol on March 14, 2025. Image copyright: Tasos Katopodis/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) announced Monday through a spokesperson that he had postponed multiple book tour events scheduled for March 17-21. He cited security concerns following his controversial vote last week in favor of the Republican-backed government funding bill.
The postponed events were meant to promote Schumer's new book "Antisemitism in America: A Warning." But the events faced planned protests from progressive activists and Jewish groups who were angered by his recent political decisions and his stance on the war in Gaza.
Last week, Schumer and nine other Democratic senators voted to advance the Republican-led government funding bill, helping to avert a government shutdown that would have occurred without the legislation's passage.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
Schumer had no choice but to help Republicans push their bill across the finish line, and the progressive backlash to his decision is misinformed and misguided. A government shutdown would've allowed Trump to speed up his dismantling of the government. Schumer's experience has taught him there are times to relent and fight another day.
Progressive narrative
By hiding from his constituents and possible protests from those who disagree with his decision to gift Republicans enough Democratic voters to pass their terrible funding bill, Schumer is increasing the proof he no longer represents his party or his constituents' positions. A primary challenge from someone further left should eventually remove him from power.
Republican narrative
Democrats continue to be in disarray. While they're fighting among themselves instead of working for their constituents, their approval rating has hit record lows. Whether Schumer showed strength or weakness by voting for the funding bill, he should be commended for helping Republicans advance their agenda, which will benefit Americans much more than Democratic squabbling.