Chuck Schumer seems rather unfazed by the massive Democratic loss in the midterm election last November.
In fact, the Democratic senator from New York has been having “fun” ever since Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Kent.) took over as Senate majority leader last month.
“It is actually fun,” Schumer claimed in an interview Tuesday with the Huffington Post. “It is really fun to be in the minority. You have a little more freedom in the minority. It is easier to take a theme, stick to it and constantly go after it.”
The senator did admit it would be better for Democrats to be in the majority in order to accomplish their own agenda, but added that having a minority makes it “easier” to communicate the party’s ideas.
“So, look, we would rather be in the majority because we are a party that wants to do things to make middle-class lives better,” continued Schumer. “But it is a little easier, particularly when you are trying to message, when you are in the minority.”
He said the loss back in November forced Democrats to become more “unified” on their message.
“I think losing focused people’s minds on, ‘Hey, we better be more unified. We better get together and be more focused on our main message, which is middle-class jobs and middle-class incomes,'” Schumer explained.
He cautioned Democrats about celebrating the bounce back of the economy — something President Obama did confidently during his State of the Union address. Schumer suggested that they need to be sensitive to those who have not experienced the economic recovery.
“We can say that the economy has gotten better,” said Schumer. “But if we say things are good, that’s when you lose.”
Despite Schumer’s apparent appreciation of his minority role, the lawmaker described himself as “optimistic” that Democrats can regain control of the Senate in the next election.
