Democratic Party Faces Scrutiny During Prolonged Government Shutdown
An op-ed published over the weekend painted a bleak political outlook for Democrats heading into next year’s midterms.
The op-ed by conservative commentator and former Wall Street executive follows Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s last week to deny Republicans enough votes to keep the government open and funded at current levels.
Writing in The Hill, Peek blamed the shutdown squarely on Schumer, noting that it “highlights three weaknesses undermining the Democratic Party as we head toward next year’s midterm elections.”
For one, she notes, Democratic Party leadership continues to face pressure from its progressive wing, which has gained significant influence over the party’s agenda. Schumer is reportedly wary of a potential primary challenge from New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a dynamic that observers say may be shaping some of his recent political decisions.
“Second, President Trump has pushed Democrats to burrow into their far-left rabbit holes by occupying the all-powerful center,” Peek added. “Third, Democrats are pushing endlessly to spend more money; voters think that’s a mistake.”
Schumer is facing renewed pressure from within his party following backlash over his decision earlier this year to work with Republicans to avert a government shutdown. The move angered many Democrats, who accused him of conceding too much in negotiations, she says.
In the weeks that followed, some progressive activists and lawmakers called for Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) to mount a primary challenge against Schumer in the 2028 Senate race, Peek noted.
Polling from the left-leaning firm Data for Progress conducted after the March spending vote indicated growing dissatisfaction among Democratic voters. The survey found that Schumer had the lowest favorability rating among prominent New York Democrats and that he trailed Ocasio-Cortez by 19 points in a hypothetical primary matchup, the conservative analyst went on
Once known for his opposition to government shutdowns, Schumer now appears to be taking a more hardline stance, a shift that some political analysts attribute to pressure from his party’s progressive wing, she noted, adding:
Schumer is not the only moderate Democrat looking over his shoulder. In an August interview with Fox News, former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said, “The only Democrats out there that are resonating and getting money are the socialists.”
He is right. All of the funding, excitement and energy in the Democratic Party is behind progressives. That may work in New York or other deep-blue states, but it’s unlikely to work in swing states like Pennsylvania or Ohio.
Right now, it isn’t even working in Minneapolis, where democratic socialist candidate Omar Fateh is trying to oust incumbent Democratic Mayor Jacob Frey. In a major slap in the face, the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, the official Democrat organization in Minnesota, rescinded the city party endorsement of Fateh.
As in New York, it is the young, urban voter driving the leftward push. Minnesota went for Kamala Harris last November by only 4 points, even though her running mate, Tim Walz, is governor of the state. Currently, polls show Fateh trailing Frey by about 13 points.
Young voters have emerged as a key source of support for Democratic Socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani, who is leading the race for mayor in heavily Democratic New York City. Mamdani’s message — focused on “unrealistic promises to make life more affordable,” as well as opposition to Israel’s policies, has resonated strongly with progressive voters, Peek noted.
Polling shows Mamdani ahead of former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary. Campaign finance filings indicate he has raised substantially more money than Cuomo, bolstered by contributions from major donors including philanthropist Elizabeth Simons, daughter of hedge fund founder James Simons, and by groups connected to organizations linked to left-wing financier George Soros.
“Democrats’ leftward lunge may have endeared the party to progressive billionaires, but it’s unlikely to improve the party’s image or win back the White House in 2028. Progressives are notoriously anti-police and anti-ICE; they favor open borders and extending benefits to non-citizens,” writes Peek.
“That is not where the country is.”
A Poor 12-year-old Black Girl Saved A Millionaire On A Plane… But What He Whispered
As the paramedics wheeled Richard away, Amara sat quietly in her seat, still trying to process what had just happened. The adrenaline that had propelled her into action was now ebbing away, leaving her exhausted and overwhelmed. She barely noticed the curious glances from other passengers or the hushed conversations about the “heroic girl.” Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions, pride mingling with disbelief.
The flight attendants, now disarmed from their initial shock, approached her with gratitude and amazement. “You were incredible, sweetheart,” one of them said, handing her a complimentary snack and a bottle of water. “You really saved that man’s life.” Amara nodded shyly, her cheeks warm under the attention, but inside she felt a deep sense of relief—relief that her instincts had not failed her and that, in some small way, she had honored her mother’s legacy.
As the passengers disembarked, many stopped to thank her, some offering small tokens of appreciation—a granola bar, a bookmark, a pat on the shoulder. Amara accepted them all with a grateful heart, but she was still thinking about Richard and what he had tried to say amidst the chaos.
At the airport, amid the sea of hurried travelers and the cacophony of announcements, Amara was greeted by her aunt, Lila, who enveloped her in a hug that chased away the remnants of her nerves. “I heard what happened on the plane,” her aunt said, her voice a mix of astonishment and pride. “Your mom would have been so proud.”
They were about to leave for Brooklyn when a man in a sharp suit approached them. “Excuse me, miss,” he said, addressing Amara directly. “I’m Mr. Coleman’s assistant. He asked me to find you.” Amara’s heart skipped a beat. She was taken to a quieter area of the airport where Richard lay in a hospital bed, surrounded by medical personnel.
Despite the oxygen mask and IV lines, Richard’s eyes were alert, filled with an unexpected warmth that belied his icy reputation. He gestured for the mask to be removed and beckoned Amara closer. “You saved me, young lady,” he said, his voice hoarse but sincere. “I owe you my life.”
Amara shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper. “I just did what I could.”
Richard smiled, a hint of vulnerability in his expression. “You did more than that. You reminded me of something I’d forgotten—kindness, selflessness, and the value of a human life beyond profit and loss.”
Then he reached into his pocket and handed Amara a small envelope. “Inside are details for a scholarship fund I’m setting up in your mother’s name. It’s the least I can do to honor what you’ve done for me.”
Amara gasped, her eyes welling up with tears. The enormity of his gesture overwhelmed her. It was as if the universe had momentarily aligned to acknowledge her bravery and her mother’s memory in the most profound way. “Thank you,” she murmured, her voice choked with emotion. “I don’t know how to repay you.”
Richard shook his head gently. “You already have, Amara. You already have.”
As Amara walked back to her aunt, clutching the envelope tightly, she realized that life had offered her a new beginning. With each step, the weight of her past lightened, replaced by the promise of a future she could never have imagined. And in that moment, amidst the bustling crowd of the airport, Amara knew she had found her own kind of fortune.
