Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has faced renewed criticism after decades of citing a fictional middle-class family to justify his political positions, with critics questioning the authenticity of his approach to policy-making.
The New York Democrat has long referenced Joe and Eileen Bailey, imaginary constituents from Massapequa, Long Island, who he detailed in his 2007 book “Positively American: Winning Back the American Middle Class One Family at a Time.”
According to the book, Schumer runs every policy decision by this average, middle-class, swing-voting family.
The Baileys live in a Long Island suburb with their three children, both work and earn approximately $75,000 annually.
They represent what Schumer considers the typical American family that politicians should prioritize when crafting legislation.
The fictional family worries about terrorism, healthcare, property taxes, college tuition, outsourcing, elderly care and retirement.
They believe in charity but also maintain that “people who work hard and play by the rules will do fine in America.”
The Baileys reportedly bought into Reagan Republicanism in 1980 and express concerns about job security.
They support tax breaks to help families afford college education and maintain a household income around $70,000 in 2007 dollars.
The fictional couple takes a nuanced stance on