We bumped into Senator Chuck Schumer in Union Square today as he retail politicked his way through the Farmers Market. First impression: He’s shorter than you think. Second, I’m still pissed over what he and Kristen Gillibrand did to Al Franken.
By David Stone
Assorted Ideas, Large & Small
The scene was, to be honest, a little ridiculous.
There he was, one of the five most powerful politicians in Washington, posing for photos, staffers hauling Chuck Schumer signs behind him. They barked about meeting Chuck Schumer.
On reflection, it reminded me of the scene in Soapdish where Whoopi Goldberg hauls a dispirited, declining star, played by Sally Field, off to a mall in New Jersey. There, a flock adoring soap opera fans flock around her, restoring her ego.
But Chuck’s nowhere near as attractive or melodramatic as Whoopi or Sally. His aides? You couldn’t tell because they were lost behind the signs.
Quick chat with Chuck Schumer in Union Square…
It was easy getting in front of him because a lot of New Yorkers are indifferent to politics and politicians, right now. Had enough over the past year, probably.
Which sounded nice until I remembered him saying the same thing about Moscow Mitch, the Republicans’ obstructor in chief.
“Gotta get rid of the filibuster, Chuck,” I said.
“We’re working hard on it,” he said.
“Make Joe (Manchin) happy,” I added.
Manchin’s the West Virginia Democrat seen by progressives as the major obstacle against pushing forward with legislation, especially on SR1. That is, voting rights, top of the agenda.
“Yeah, he’s a friend of mine,” Chuck assured me.
Then, I felt a little deflated.
More from Assorted Ideas, Large & Small
- Queens News Roundup: Public Safety, May Day, and Summer Music Reach Roosevelt IslandCatch up with our Queens news roundup, including public safety updates, labor actions, and summer music events making an impact on Roosevelt Island this week.
- How Citywide Changes Shape Daily Life on Roosevelt IslandDiscover how citywide changes shape daily life on Roosevelt Island, from policy shifts to community safety, events, and local routines.
- How Queens News Impacts Daily Life on Roosevelt IslandHow Queens news impacts daily life on Roosevelt Island, from public safety updates to neighborhood festivals and health care developments. Discover the ripple effects of our neighboring borough.
- This Week’s Roosevelt Island Community Updates Beyond the TramDiscover this week’s Roosevelt Island community updates beyond the tram, from public safety and hospital news to festival highlights and neighborly stories.
- How Queens News Impacts Roosevelt Island Routines and Community LifeExplore how queens news impacts Roosevelt Island routines and community life, from public safety updates and election changes to housing assistance and local celebrations.
Howard Polivy, the Man Who Never Left
There is a particular rhythm to board meetings. Once you have sat through enough of them, they begin to blend together. The agenda appears. The minutes are approved.
1 COMMENTS