Key facts
- Stewart said Schumer 'fought tooth and nail' against many Democratic candidates elected in the midterms.
- Stewart said Schumer 'does not understand the urgency of the moment and what the future demands.'
- Stewart called for removing the 'system of seniority from Democratic politics,' partly in reference to Schumer.
- Stewart said Democrats should govern rather than try to 'impeach everybody' in the Trump administration.
Comedian Jon Stewart, 63, said on the November 5 episode of his podcast "The Weekly Show" that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) does not understand the urgency of the moment, according to a report published November 6 by The Hill.
Stewart said Democrats, who he said now control both chambers of Congress after the midterms, should use their victories to move past the party establishment and focus on governing. He said the first task is to "tear down the obstacles and old way of thinking that got us into this mess," which he said includes removing the "system of seniority from Democratic politics," partly in reference to Schumer.
Stewart said Schumer "fought tooth and nail" against many of the Democratic candidates elected in the midterms and does not deserve credit for their wins. "And even if he didn't, he does not understand the urgency of the moment and what the future demands. I truly believe that," Stewart said.
Stewart also said Democrats should govern rather than try to "impeach everybody" in the Trump administration, as some anticipate will happen. "Someone has to meet this moment and they have got to show — and this moment is not, 'Oh, we get to impeach everybody,' like f— that. Like, you have an opportunity to actually govern. Do it. Take it," he said.
The remarks come as Schumer, 75, has indicated he has the votes to remain the Democratic leader despite growing calls from some progressives for a change at the top.