Every time Schumer talks, I immediately think of Homer’s brain quitting in protest at the cider factory. Just a reflex. But I haven’t managed to make the metaphor work well enough.

It isn't just that they're convinced only weak centrists can win tough elections (though that's a big problem!). It's also that they're convinced (correctly) that only weak centrists will retain the current management post-election, regardless of majority or minority. And that's their top priority.

One reason it's so vital to be pushing them relentlessly is because they don't have any aspiration to govern, just to win political power games inside the Beltway. And they know that a wave election built on actual resistance candidates creates problems for their personal positions w their caucuses.

He in fact already lost reelection.