Astronauts Safely Return, Will Schumer Survive as Leader? Walz Won’t Go Away

Join Jim and Greg for 3 Martini Lunch as they break down SpaceX’s dramatic rescue of American astronauts, Chuck Schumer’s struggle to survive mounting pressure from the left, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s relentless bid for political relevance.

First, they celebrate the safe return of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams after their planned eight-day mission stretched into more than nine months aboard the International Space Station. They credit SpaceX and Elon Musk for achieving what Boeing and the federal government could not—while dismissing weak arguments that the astronauts weren’t truly stranded.

Next, they grab the popcorn as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer faces an uproar from progressives after helping Republicans break the filibuster to keep the government open. With at least one House Democrat calling for new leadership and many others still fuming, Schumer attempted damage control on The View—only to alienate business owners by mocking their complaints over high taxes.

Finally, they groan as Gov. Tim Walz keeps forcing himself into the political spotlight with speeches in multiple states. While he has every right to speak out, it’s now widely accepted that his addition to Kamala Harris’s ticket last year didn’t help, and there’s little indication he has any lasting influence in the party.