The stunning and fierce revolt against Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) for backing down from Republicans in a shutdown battle is being magnified by the resounding silence from Democrats refusing to come to his defense.

In interview, the Senate minority leader said intraparty critics underestimated the dangers of a funding lapse.

The Senate minority leader came under heavy fire for the second straight day from Democrats enraged at him for backing a Republican bill to avoid a government shutdown, and fallout appears likely to last well past Friday’s vote.