A Democratic senator questioned the timing of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s fiery speech last week, in which Republicans were rejected over negotiations to raise the federal debt ceiling that left Senator Joe Manchin in a quandary and GOP lawmakers smoking.
Schumer, in a speech on Thursday on the Senate floor, tore up Republicans for “playing a dangerous and risky partisan game” after 11 GOP senators teamed up with all 50 Democrats to end the debate and continue a short-term rise to the country’s loan limit .
The limit was extended to December by a party line vote.
Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) Told “Fox News Sunday” that he understands the Democratic leader’s frustration over the process, but the timing of his comments “may not have been the best.”
“Honestly, I agree with the reasons Senator Schumer was so frustrated that this stand-out over the debt line was risky, unnecessary, was a fabricated crisis,” Coons told host Chris Wallace.
“But partly why Senator Manchin had his head in his hands was that he thought our leaders should speak directly to each other. And we all agree that we need more stability in our Congress and in our country, ”the senator continued.
“While I fully understand President Schumer’s deep frustration, the timing may not have been the best,” Coons said.
Wallace noted the Coons’ blooper and suggested, “Maybe we should say President Manchin at this point,” referring to the West Virginia Democrat who had a central vote in the 50-50 divided Senate.
Manchin was famously caught on video holding his face in his hands as Schumer spoke before walking.
“I did not think it was appropriate at the time,” Manchin said a moment later. “We have to disarm. You can not play politics. Neither of us can – on both sides. Civility is gone. ”
Schumer’s comments upset Republicans, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who said Republicans will not join Democrats to raise the debt limit when it goes to the polls again in December.
“Last night, Republicans filled the leadership space that has worried the Senate since January. I am writing to inform you that I will not provide such assistance again if your all-democratic government drifts into another avoidable crisis, ”McConnell wrote in a letter to President Biden on Friday.
McConnell (R-Ky.) Referred to Manchin’s reaction to the speech.
“Last night, Senator Schumer exploded in a bizarre spectacle in a rant that was so partisan, angry and corrosive that even Democratic senators were visibly embarrassed about him and him. This outburst of rage encapsulated and escalated a pattern of angry incompetence on the part of Senator Schumer, “McConnell wrote.
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