Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) did everything he could on Monday morning to avoid answering whether Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) should remain in his leadership position or be forced out.
Although Schumer did not join the seven Democrats and one independent who voted to assist Republicans with ending the government shutdown, he has taken a beating from progressives and members of his own party for allowing the schism, which has infuriated Democrats.
Appearing with MSNBC’s Chris Janing, Kelly was asked twice by the host about Schumer’s fate, and he instead talked about the issues facing Democrats as the minority party, leading the MSNBC host to call him out.
Asked if “Chuck Schumer's leadership is in jeopardy, and should it be?” Kelly replied, “Well, as I've said, Chris, we are dealing with an irrational president. I know people are frustrated. You know, people could be frustrated with leadership in the Senate and the House. I'm frustrated with the White House and the president. I mean, he sued. He filed a lawsuit to keep kids from getting SNAP benefits, taking away food from kids for leverage. I mean, that's who the American people should be really upset with and frustrated with is the guy in the White House.”
Jansing pressed, “So let me ask you very directly, do you support Chuck Schumer to lead Senate Democrats going forward?”
“So, Chris, again, we found ourselves in a situation I don't think the Senate has found itself in before,” the Arizona Democrat parried. “I think under any president, Democrat or Republican, they're going to care about the American people, healthcare and care if they're going to be able to put food on the table and try to bring down costs, not do the opposite for the American people. So when I hear folks say things like that, I understand their frustration. But I also hope they understand that we all need to be on the same team here.”
“I will note, Senator, that given two opportunities, you did not voice your unequivocal support for Chuck Schumer,” the MSNBC host pointed out to her guest. “But his job, at least for the moment, is not over. If this compromise plan does lead to the government —.”
“Well, I will say Chuck Schumer and the leadership of the Senate are dealing with an incredibly complex situation where, you know, it's hard to find a way out,” Kelly interrupted. “But I am going to continue to fight for my constituents and the American people to just make life affordable for them.”