Add Sen. Chuck Schumer to the list of Republicans President Obama says are opposing his nuclear deal.
Except, of course, that New York’s senior senator is poised to become leader of the Senate’s Democrats in 2017.
And his rejection of the Iran deal, announced Thursday night, exactly mirrors the fears of the American people themselves, as seen in poll after poll.
Schumer’s statement detailing the agreement’s many “serious weaknesses” was serious and nonpartisan — it even began with praise of Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry for their efforts.
It’s also proving courageous — given the response.
It was the lefty Huffington Post that actually broke the news that Schumer would oppose the deal — an apparent leak from the White House.
The New York senator made a courtesy call to inform the president of his intentions — and it’s a good bet Obama aides opted to make Schumer pay.
Was it coincidence that New York’s junior senator, Kirsten Gillibrand, endorsed the deal just hours before Schumer made his own public stand? Who mobilized the MoveOn zealots to start calling for Chuck’s head?
Schumer’s measured approach stands in stark contrast to Obama’s deeply offensive attempt to politicize the dispute.
To support this deeply flawed deal, Schumer would’ve had to turn his back on beliefs he’s stated publicly for decades — and on his constituents as well as his conscience.
Schumer’s the first Senate Democrat to publicly break with the president, but others are sure to follow.
Of course, he may change his mind: Presidents have been burned before by their efforts to railroad the Senate. (Read “Advise and Consent,” Mr. President: The classic novel is based on real events.)
Then, too, Schumer’s long-held principles would seem to dictate doing much more than just outlining his position.
As the senator himself said, this is an issue with “great consequences” — for the United States, for the entire world. He has an obligation to actively lead the fight to keep those grim consequences from happening.
By The New York Post Editorial Board
August 7, 2015