Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is facing his lowest polling numbers in decades — even among home-state Democrats. Now, he’s taking heat from liberal comedian John Oliver, who mocked Schumer on HBO’s “Last Week Tonight” for repeatedly invoking “the Baileys,” an imaginary Long Island couple he has referred to in political speeches for years.
“The Baileys have guided Chuck Schumer’s political life,” Oliver said. “Which is a little weird, given they don’t exist.”
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Oliver calls strategy ineffective
Oliver aired a montage of Schumer invoking Joe and Eileen Bailey — a fictional middle-class couple from Massapequa — to illustrate political issues. Schumer has used the Baileys to discuss everything from jobs in New York to economic policy.
Oliver criticized the tactic, saying it’s an ineffective way to connect with voters.
“Schumer’s devotion to his imaginary friends may explain why him and the Democratic Party have been so underwhelming in recent years,” Oliver said. “He seems to be focusing a huge amount on the Baileys from Long Island rather than voters who actually exist.”
Polls show drop in popularity
Oliver’s critique mirrors a broader sentiment in Schumer’s party. A Siena College poll this week found just 39% of New Yorkers view Schumer favorably. Among New York Democrats, only 49% hold a favorable opinion. That’s the lowest likability rating Schumer has recorded in his home state in 20 years.
Nationally, an Economist/YouGov poll in April found just 23% of U.S. adults had a favorable view of the Democratic leader.
Schumer dismissed the national poll results.
“Polls come and go,” he said. “Our party is united. We’re stepping forward and going after Trump and having real success.”
Speculation over a possible challenger
Schumer doesn’t face reelection until 2028, but the poll results have fueled speculation about potential challengers.
Some reports suggest that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez could run for Schumer’s Senate seat if he retires. In a hypothetical primary race between the two, early polls suggest the congresswoman leads Schumer by double digits.
