Part of the problem there is that Schumer just does not have the level of command over his caucus that McConnell did, and it shows. McConnell can whip his votes, and has proven so time and again. For all the grievance and ridicule Republicans like Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins get, their votes against the party came at times when Republicans either already had the votes to pass something or when it was clear they wouldn’t have it even with their support. McConnell commands the Republicans in the Senate in a way that Schumer just can’t seem to with the Democrats. And it’s a glaring weakness of Schumer’s. He is considering divisive votes and can’t get his party behind the initiatives. What’s worse is that the loudest voices of his party – Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the Squad, etc. – and even the leadership in the House seem to have more sway over his Senate Democrats than he does. Schumer sort of fell into the position when Harry Reid decided to retire from the Senate. Reid, like McConnell (though not as effective), had a command over his caucus that he was able to wield to effect change. Schumer can’t get anything remotely similar done, and he is incredibly vulnerable because of it.