Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) defended Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer‘s (D-NY) decision to rally votes for the spending resolution that kept the government open.
Schumer, who struck a deal with Senate Republicans, canceled his book tour as he faces outrage from Democrats. In the Senate, 10 Democratic senators voted for the bill, likely under Schumer’s direction. In the House, the measure to fund the government passed largely along party lines with a 217-213 vote, as only two standouts voted differently than their parties.
“Many Democrats are angry at Schumer. Among them right now, we’ve all seen the news; he’s about as popular as chlamydia. That, to me, says as much about the Democratic Party as it does about Senator Schumer. What it tells me is that the loon wing of the Democratic Party is firmly in control,” Kennedy said on Fox News’s Hannity Wednesday. “Now, that’s great for the Republican Party, but it’s bad for America. These people are deeply weird.”
As a result of the backlash, the Washington Examiner confirmed that some members of the Democratic Party are pressuring Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) to primary Schumer in 2028. Kennedy dismissed any challenges against Schumer.
THE VIEW SPARS OVER DEMOCRAT INFIGHTING AFTER EXPLOSIVE SCHUMER INTERVIEW
“If it wasn’t for double standards in Washington, there wouldn’t be any standards at all. Most Democrats in the Senate supported what he did, and they’re scared of him,” Kennedy said. “I don’t think that will change. I double-dog dare one of them to take him on and see what happens.”
The New York senator has shown no signs of backing down, appearing on CBS News earlier this week to claim “I’m the best leader for the Senate,” citing the Senate seats he’s won on behalf of the Democratic Party. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) voiced his support for Schumer.