Privately, many Senate Democrats conceded that their leader was doing his job by protecting his members from a tough vote and making a politically painful decision. But the backlash from his party was intense.

In failing to demonstrate what they stand for, Democrats fumbled the chance to show why they deserve a return to power, centrists and progressives say.

Schumer has defended his vote to keep the government running as the best of two bad choices aimed at not ceding Trump and billionaire adviser Elon Musk even more power to slash the government. Nine Democratic senators and an independent who caucuses with Democrats joined him to advance the bill, enough to prevent a government shutdown.

"This false choice that some are buying instead of fighting is unacceptable,” Rep. Nancy Pelosi said as Schumer cast his vote for an extreme GOP spending bill.

N.Y., joins ‘The Story’ to discuss Democratic leadership in the Senate amid mounting criticism towards Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.