A note to Chuck

As the Trump Agenda begins to work its way through the legislative branch, Chuck Schumer faces a full frontal assault by a unified Republican Party. Last week’s display of flip-flopping exposed fractures among Democrats about how to approach the “flood the zone” strategy and the threat to shutdown the Federal Government. It put Schumer in the crosshairs as he once again fell short as a good spokesperson for the opposition. To many he seemed like an old political hack, out of touch with the mood of the electorate. Here are five mostly obvious tips for Team Schumer as they navigate their role in the new world order.

1. Don’t try to use the well of the Senate as a channel to project your agenda. The nuances of legislative strategy sound like Charlie Brown’s teacher to American voters. Stop with the process and talk of political calculation, lead with an urgent message.

2. Build a voter coalition, not an identity coalition. Meet people where they are on the big issues at hand today. Actively engage voters based on economics and American values. Build new coalitions with voters who experience first hand the Trump agenda.

3. Inspire discipline. Convene the whole congressional leadership team. Agree on the existential threat and the broad outlines of opposition. Build a framework of messaging and alternative vision for the country. Take a page from the Republicans and play hardball on strategy. Get in a room and get to agreement on the fundamentals. Back it up with serious data and research. Don’t tell the media how smart you are and how you are getting your shit together - just put the plan into action.

4. Bring a gun to a gun fight. Get your donors off the sidelines and into the fight. Every Trump initiative is supported by a well-funded media machine. If progressive and democratic donors lay down now, it may be impossible to get up later.

5. You are not the spokesperson of your party. Lift up the members who are on the front line and showcase the new talent. Elissa Slotkin did a great job responding the Trump’s speech before Congress. Do more of that. Empower the younger members by sharing the news making duties. Take your place in the cloakroom as a senior statesman and let the new kids have a chance.