New York senator Chuck Schumer criticized President Obama’s passage of Obamacare. It “made no political sense,” Schumer complained yesterday at the National Press Club. “Unfortunately, Democrats blew the opportunity the American people gave them.”
The White House politely responded by praising its actions. “I’d say if you want to have a conversation about the Affordable Care Act, we should, because we believe strongly the Affordable Care Act is working,” said deputy press secretary Eric Schultz yesterday.
But then some former Obama aides took to Twitter to lash out at the prominent New York senator. In particular, Jon Favreau, Tommy Vietor, and Jon Lovett. (Favreau and Lovett were Obama speechwriteres; Vietor was an Obama spokesman.)
So what are Chuck Schumer’s specific ideas for “middle-class programs” we should’ve passed instead of health care and after a big stimulus?
— Jon Favreau (@jonfavs) November 25, 2014
Shorter Chuck Schumer – I wish Obama cared more about helping Democrats than sick people.
— Tommy Vietor (@TVietor08) November 25, 2014
Funny, I don’t remember Chuck Schumer giving that advice when he was privately and publicly championing the Affordable Care Act in 2010
— Jon Favreau (@jonfavs) November 25, 2014
I’m sure Chuck Schumer has his reasons for wanting to debate 2009 Democratic political tactics but I’m also sure those reasons are terrible.
— Jon Lovett (@jonlovett) November 25, 2014
In a way, it’s refreshing to see Schumer admit to being so cynical. It’s been his MO forever.
— Jon Lovett (@jonlovett) November 25, 2014
The Sunday press conferences where he drops a fake bill around some news hook have been one of the great jokes of New York politics.
— Jon Lovett (@jonlovett) November 25, 2014
And a pretty good test for Democratic candidates is whether they view Schumer as someone to listen to or someone to tolerate.
— Jon Lovett (@jonlovett) November 25, 2014
