Dear Senator Schumer,

We wanted to take a moment to express our sincere congratulations. After all, it's no small feat to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory with such precision. Your recent decision to back the Republican-led spending bill — the one that slices away at vital social programs while boosting Trump’s pet projects — was truly inspired. In fact, if there’s a trophy for “Best Performance by a Senate Leader in a Supporting Role for the GOP,” we’re confident you’d take home the gold.

But sarcasm aside, what exactly was the plan here? Democrats had leverage — real leverage — and you traded it away like a gambler tossing chips on a losing hand. We get it, governing isn’t easy. But when you’re up against a Republican Party that treats compromise like a four-letter word, folding this fast doesn’t just look weak — it is weak. Worse, it makes Trump’s march toward unchecked power that much easier.

We’ve heard the excuses: "It’s about keeping the government open." "It’s about protecting Americans from economic instability." Fair enough. But if we’re being honest, this wasn’t a negotiation — it was a surrender. And what did you get in return? A little less humiliation than Kevin McCarthy? Congratulations again.

The truth is, Democrats need to stop playing by Marquess of Queensberry rules in a bare-knuckle street fight. Republicans aren’t compromising — they’re outmaneuvering you while grinning ear-to-ear. We don’t need you to turn into some kind of liberal berserker, but we do need you to stop giving away the store before the haggling even starts.

Next time Republicans demand cuts to critical programs, make them sweat for it. Let them explain why they’re gutting healthcare or slashing social security. Force them to own it. Don’t give them the luxury of blaming ‘bipartisanship’ when you hand over half the kingdom just to avoid a bad news cycle.

We know you’ve been in politics a long time, but this isn’t 1995. Trump’s GOP isn’t here to deal — they’re here to dismantle. So please, for the love of whatever shred of sanity remains in Washington, sharpen your elbows and start acting like the leader Democrats need right now. If not, we’d recommend finding a solid spine specialist before November 2026.

Sincerely,

Closer to the Edge

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