Ted Cruz

responded that some lawmakers had been doing informal counts to see whether enough votes existed to remove the New York Democrat from his leadership position, according to people familiar with the mid-February dinner.

Murphy explained that Schumer had enough backing to remain as leader, but the disclosure stood out nonetheless because it revealed the frustration inside the Senate had reached a high enough level that some Democrats were actively contemplating how to oust Schumer.

Wow.

Murphy is among a group of senators and top advisers who have grown increasingly dissatisfied with Schumer's leadership, according to people familiar with the conversation.

Who else?

That group includes Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, who has been initiated conversations with other senators to gauge frustrations with Schumer, some of the people said.

Senator Tina Smith of Minnesota has also been active in discussions with her frustration with Schumer.

In an interview, Murphy said he's frequently asked about Senate leadership, but he doesn't have a count of who would vote to remove Schumer and doesn't recall mentioning one.

In more than four dozen interviews with Democrat senators and others.

Many said the concern about Schumer's leadership was widespread.

But what are they mad at?

And this is where it's amazing.

Murphy, Warren and Smith are part of a batch of senators dubbed Fight Club who are particularly incensed by Schumer's approach to the midterms.

This group of progressives believes that Schumer favors centrist candidates in some key races.

So their whole argument, even though Schumer is just saying, let it burn.

I mean, it reminds me of Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight as Batman, just saying, let it burn.

Who cares what happens?

If they're terror attacks, not Chuck Schumer's problem.

If every airport is shut down, not Chuck Schumer's problem.

If people can't pay their rent or mortgage, not Chuck Schumer's problem.