I understand why (with its twisted internal logic) President Trump doesn't want to be seen as caving on the wall; however, there are a number of other agencies whose budgets can be approved, allowing those parts of the government to reopen. Why would he not do that? Then over the next few weeks everyone can horse trade about the wall and security funding along the southern border. How is it that Trump thinks it makes him look *strong* to keep +500,000 employees furloughed or unpaid when that number can be greatly reduced?
Everyone should keep this in mind as the debacle extends into additional weeks: all this pain for federal employees was unnecessary since the idiot could have gotten so many of those workers back into their departments and agencies, opening museums, the zoo, national parks, etc. The man is a total depraved disgrace.
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The wall is stupid, racist, and kind of Russianish. I do not do any of those. I do not know why any American would. Pay the workers and for God's sake I hope we are covering they're insurance contributions.
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@Johanna Weekley Alternatively, or perhaps in addition, maybe the legislation should relate to a contingency fund or whatever mechanism to continue paying employees while they continue working. Which of course renders shut downs mostly a thing of the past? Or would that be too easy and obvious? Perhaps the shut down card is too desirable as a card to play. As others have said elsewhere, it's ludicrous to close government and give everyone a big vacation, but still pay them later.
If anyone can shed light on these points, please share. I haven't heard or read any news exploring this. Michael?
Left out of this interview was a very important point: the Democrats did offer increased funding for border security. Why, in all the fastidious questioning, was this detail omitted?
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I'm curious about the senate democrats change in opinion regarding a border wall/fence. In 2013, all the senate democrats voted for a border wall/fence (and to end chain migration), and 5 years later, they're totally against a fence/wall.
This is the only time I've bristled at Michael's interviewing. 90% of his questions began with "But" or "Don't you think though." The combative nature was uncharacteristic and frustrating. Worth considering why he took this stance with this interview in particular. I hope it's not repeated. Otherwise, as always, grateful for this show.
How do Sen. Schumer and the Dems simultaneously state that "the wall" cannot be supported on principle, yet offer full "wall" funding in exchange for Immigration/Daca reform?
I’m not a local voter, but the political strategy on the border wall sounds flawed. What happens if the wall, even as a concept, is extremely popular? Hasn’t it been popular for decades? Are the Dems ready to define themselves as opposed to it, even if it is the moral and correct thing to do? It could become the next wedge issue. Health care and education should be their focus - all the things Chuck mentioned near the end of this podcast. Would appreciate the advice of someone who knows better!
Great interview - Chuck is an intelligent and honest guy - such a contrast to trump.
Hope him and Nancy will hold trumps feet to the fire and not give in to his latest Trumper-Tantrum.
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Troubled by Senator Schumer’s anti BDS bill being repackaged and voted in by states. Big fines and prison and loss of freedom of speech! Is he a US patriot or not?
Why does it seem like Michael is blaming the Dems and expecting Chuck to cave to Trump? Why is it politics when Dems try to use their power when we are the majority and have bed ruled by the minority all this time? Am I missing something? Why are Dems accused of overreach when President has committed crimes. Real crime. Please explain.
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@Rosalyn Coleman Williams I had the exact same reaction. Michael does that sometimes. He claims in the interview that most Americans want the wall...and it's like, dude, do a little research. Only the hard right wants the wall. And he's also trying to reframe Chuck's answers in right-wing vernacular. Like somehow Chuck is supposed to just give Trump the wall so that they can get the government open. He's not placing any blame on anyone but the democrats in the interview. It was very annoying. I agreed with some of his tough questions. The one about "why not give them the wall in exchange for dreamers getting citizenship?" It's a good question. But then he also accuses dems of making it political. Really, Michael? You're accusing a politician of being political? Wow...what hard-hitting questions. Especially when you consider the state of current politics that have been driven and defined by the right, Michael, as if he's shocked, wants to know, "Oh no...are you being political?" Good grief. Then he asks these ridiculous questions about how he's going to manage these more liberal new members. It was so demeaning to both Chuck, as if he doesn't know how to be a leader and to the new members, as if they're going to be unruly. "Can you keep the left wing from going too far?" Dude...what is this interview???
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The two pictures on the wall behind Schumer's desk speaks volumes about Schumer's values: Franklin Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.
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Despite this being an informative and enlightening interview, it also emphasizes the unpredictable inflexibility of Trump. What I see as a main factor, they same as enumerated by Senator Schumer, is the time it takes Trump and the Republican senators to admit the mistake being made prolonging this inane shutdown.
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Democrats should develop legislation requiring that any government shutdown triggers a salary cutoff for all legislators and their staffs, all cabinet members and all White House personnel. I pay my taxes on time and expect public servants to do their job.
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As a Daily listener since day one, I continue to appreciate the additional context and details given to stories in the news cycle. To hear the more complete dialogue rather than sound bites is also helpful. As for this episode, Glad that Mr. Schumer made time for the Daily team and explained in easy to comprehend language what the hope and strategy is for the coming days--#13 of a shutdown that could then continue for weeks. It will be interesting to see how the message and rhetoric from both parties and the President changes or remains consistent in the days to come. It will also be interesting to see if Mr. Schumer and Ms. Pelosi will retain their calm and composure and stick to their hope and strategy. The idea of clean bills that require a yes or no vote is also appealing. Clean bills feel like they have less ego in the mix. Is it even possible for our government and Congress to simplify things and return to proposing clean bills for yes or no votes?
Listening, watching, waiting for the next acts of what feels more like a melodramatic play--doing my best to stay informed and not grow more skeptical as a 53 year old mother with a 19 year old daughter who's been conscious of politics and three branches of government at play since she was 8 years old.
May the 116th Congress manage to find a way to reach consensus between parties and legislate for the benefit of all constituents they serve.
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I wish MIchael Barbaro would stop interrupting Sshumer---very annoying. Let Schumer speak! Great interview, otherwise.
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@Birdygirl
Agree wholeheartedly... AND I'd extend this thought to TV-radio hosts in general. Too often they ask the same ? three
different ways, and then provide 5 -6 possible answers...
using up much of the time their guest should have to talk...
NEWS, folks -- I don't want to hear the host; I want to
hear their guests, without prompting or "guiding".
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it would be nice to not only have the audio, but also the typed text for those of us who are hearing impaired!
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The so-called "POTUSA" does not care if the peons in Government get paid or not. The Congress and the President get paid from another pocket. I am not sure if it is still true.
Please remember this In 2020.
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Nauseated to hear Chuck Schumer is taking 'fire starters' or ANYTHING from Paul Ryan! Don't you realize how this sounds to the Democratic base ????? Where is your common sense? When you say things like this it furthers the belief of the American ppl that you are ALL just a bunch of good ole boys! Disgusted!
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@Outraged in PA. I agree with your 'good old boys' comment, yet by including this comment and situation we are INFORMED. From here we can daylight these private relations and demand better representation.
Sorry, I don't have time to listen to "go up to the second floor" and sounds of heels on a hard floor. Cut to the interview.
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