Step Down, Chuck, A Zero Hour Conversation With Sam Rosenthal

“People are starving for a real, visible fight against Trumpism—and Schumer isn’t delivering it.”

By RJ Eskow and Sam Rosenthal, The Zero Hour

Richard Eskow and Sam Rosenthal discuss Roots Action’s new “Step Down, Chuck” campaign calling on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to resign, drawing parallels to their earlier and ultimately vindicated “Don’t Run, Joe” effort in 2022. Rosenthal describes the establishment backlash they faced then, the current openness within Democratic circles to replacing Schumer, and the deeper frustrations with Schumer’s weak leadership, conciliatory instincts, failure during the shutdown fight, and inability to energize or represent the party’s younger, more progressive base.

Together they explore how Schumer’s deference to old Senate rituals, resistance to bold confrontation with Trumpism, and disconnect from shifting party dynamics have made him a liability—and why petitions, public pressure, and a demand for new, more confrontational leadership are necessary to prevent Democrats from repeating the mistakes of the Biden era.

The conversation also touches on the recent government shutdown, Schumer’s handling of the Zoran Mamdani mayoral campaign, and the role of money and fundraising in his leadership. They explore the possibility that Schumer’s actions were aimed at preserving the filibuster and discuss potential replacements for Schumer, such as Bernie Sanders, emphasizing the need for a leader who can effectively challenge Trumpism and inspire voters.