When Democrats Rebelled Against Their Own Leaders

Ralph Nader and the Watergate Babies challenged aging House chairmen.

Ralph Nader in a black and white photograph. November 24, 2025, 6:00 AM Comment icon View Comments ( )

Democrats in Congress are growing restless. Since President Donald Trump began his second term, concern has been mounting within the party about whether Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.) are up to the job. Tensions rose further when the government shutdown ended abruptly: Eight Senate Democrats broke with their colleagues and joined hands with Republicans despite gaining almost nothing of substance in return.

Schumer has faced the fiercest attacks, portrayed as a leader who struggles to navigate the

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