Lucas: Moulton searches Dems’ cave-in for election clout
In a striking political showdown, U.S. Representative Seth Moulton is intensifying his campaign against U.S. Senator Ed Markey as they gear up for the 2026 Democratic primary. Moulton’s latest critique targets Senator Chuck Schumer, the Senate minority leader, for his role in the recent government reopening. Moulton, who has previously challenged the leadership of Nancy Pelosi, is positioning himself as a harbinger of a “new generation of leadership” within the Democratic Party, despite not yet holding a Senate seat. His frustration stems from the perception that Schumer’s failure to maintain a united front among Democrats during the government shutdown undermined their collective goals, particularly in protecting healthcare access.
The backdrop of this political drama is a recent Senate vote that saw eight defecting Democrats join Republicans to reopen the government, a move that Moulton claims is emblematic of Schumer’s ineffective leadership. Markey, who has aligned himself with Schumer’s strategies, defended his decision to vote against the reopening, emphasizing his commitment to preventing Republicans from undermining healthcare provisions. However, Moulton’s rhetoric suggests that he views the current leadership as out of touch, calling for a shift away from established figures like Schumer and Markey, who have been in politics for decades. This generational clash is further complicated by the fact that both Moulton and Markey share similar political ideologies, making it difficult for Moulton to carve out a distinct identity in the race.
The implications of this political skirmish extend beyond personal rivalries; they reflect a broader struggle within the Democratic Party as it grapples with its identity and strategy in the face of Republican opposition. Moulton’s critique of Schumer resonates with a segment of the party that is frustrated with perceived compromises, especially following the recent government reopening, which many Democrats view as a capitulation to Republican pressure. This internal discord highlights the challenges Democrats face in unifying their message and leadership as they prepare for the upcoming elections. As Moulton attempts to differentiate himself from Markey and others, he must navigate the delicate balance of appealing to progressive values while also addressing the practical concerns of constituents who are weary of political stalemates.
Let’s see if we can get this straight.
U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton is attacking U.S. Sen. Eddie Markey because Eddie Markey is not attacking Sen. Chuck Schumer for failing to keep the government shut down.
Democrats believe that no government is the best form of government — if Donald Trump is president.
Moulton, 47, who is challenging Markey, 79, for reelection in the 2026 Democrat primary, wants Schumer, 74, the Democrat Senate minority leader, dumped even though Moulton is not a member of the Senate — at least not yet.
But that will not stop Moulton who, calling for “a new generation of leadership,” — meaning him — twice tried (2016, 2018) but failed to oust fellow Democrat Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House.
Pelosi announced in 2022 that she would step down as Speaker. Last week, at age 85, and a millionaire many times over, she said she would not seek reelection.
Now Moulton is at it again, even though this time he does not even have a vote in the matter.
Following Sunday night’s Senate breakthrough in opening the government, which Schumer opposed — as did Markey and fellow Massachusetts progressive Democrat Elizabeth Warren — Moulton said, “Tonight is another example of why we need new leadership.”
Eight defecting Democrats joined the Republicans in the Senate to vote in favor of reopening the government after accepting GOP promises to take up proposed extensions of Obamacare tax credits, a sticking point, following the opening. Markey, of course, was not among them.
In fact, Markey later bragged about voting 15 times with Schumer in favor of shutting down the government to keep the Republicans from “ripping health care away from millions of people.”
“I want to be clear about this. I voted no,” Markey said.
But that was not enough for Moulton. He said, “If Chuck Schumer were an effective leader, he would have united his caucus to vote ‘No’ tonight and hold the line on health care.”
“Maybe now Ed Markey will finally join me in pledging not to vote for Schumer” as the Democrat minority leader.
Moulton’s problem in challenging Markey, who was elected to public office before Moulton was born, is that that are so politically alike. Moulton could be the son that Markey never had.
Outside of the age issue, Markey does not have much to run on in taking on Markey, unless Moulton can convince voters that he is a younger version of the senior Markey and a Marine combat veteran.
And talking about Schumer to a Massachusetts audience is not going to cut it.
It may be hard for Massachusetts Democrats, from Warren, Markey, Moulton, and Gov. Maura Healey on down to process it, but the reopening of the government is major victory for Trump.
That is because Trump was pushing the policy of a working government while Schumer and the Democrats wanted a woke one.
The Republican stand of opening the government was what the people wanted, while the Democrats in shutting it down sought the approval of the Mamdani radical wing of their party.
Trump won because he was on the right side of the issue.
All he had to do was wait for the Democrats to cave, and they did.
The Senate Democrats who defected and joined the Republicans to open the government realized that Schumer caused more hardship for people and the country in 40 days than Joe Biden did in four years.
Bernie Sanders, the sputtering old lefty from Vermont, who championed the shutdown, called the late-night vote reopening the government “a very bad night.”
A bad night for Bernie Sanders is a good day for America.
Veteran political reporter Peter Lucas can be reached at: peter.lucas@bostonherald.com
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., speaks to reporters about Democratic victories on Election Day at the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., in the Capitol subway earlier this fall in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib)
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