Democrat Leaders Feel Heat From Rank-and-File Members

Out of power and without a clear party leader, Democrats in the House and Senate are turning their ire toward Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y.

Schumer and Jeffries are trying to hone in on an economic message to bash President Donald Trump's policies, though party activists would prefer they go harder after the president, Punchbowl News reported.

House Democrats are questioning whether Jeffries' cautious, low-key approach is the best way to counteract Trump, Punchbowl said.

"Our constituents are going to continue to call and ask for us to do more and we shouldn't be insulted by it," said Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-Ill., a Congressional Progressive Caucus member to Punchbowl. "We can't have Congress business as usual … I certainly am going to be talking to our leadership about what we are able to demonstrate not just in our caucus, but to the general public."

Rank-and-file Democrats have complained that Jeffries shuts out complaints during caucus meetings, Punchbowl said. Jeffries said Democrat's work is "ongoing" and "they are prepared to take on "right-wing extremism that is being unleashed on the American people," Punchbowl said.

Schumer has earned criticism for saying "people are aroused" about Trump's policies and for Senate Democrats voting for Trump's nominees, according to Punchbowl.

"I understand their frustration. I'm just as distressed by what Trump is doing," Sen. Andy Kim, D-N.J. said to Punchbowl. "I wish we had more tools. Until we have one of the chambers of Congress, we're not going to have quite the level that we want."

Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., said the party has to think creatively to combat the president.

"I understand why people are feeling anxious, because this is no ordinary time," Warnock said to Punchbowl. "And so we're using the tools that we have, but I do think there has to be a recognition that this is not politics as usual. I was an activist long before I was a legislator and agitation has a role to play. We've got to think creatively."

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