Pro-Armenian senator's shutdown warning gets lost in “cringe” selfie video criticism VIDEO

The UK-based newspaper Daily Mail has published an article criticizing pro-Armenian Senator for California Adam Schiff for controversial selfie-style videos warning of a potential government shutdown. Caliber.Az offers its readers an analysed version of the piece.

The article centers around the backlash Senator Adam Schiff, D-Calif., received for posting selfie-style videos warning about a potential government shutdown. In these videos, Schiff, who has long been a prominent figure in American politics, used a tactic that appeared to emulate influencer-style content. His videos, which were shaky and filmed in a hurried manner as he paced through a congressional office building, quickly became the subject of criticism.

Schiff recorded two videos in which he directly addressed the camera, highlighting the possibility of a government shutdown due to a Republican-led funding bill. In the videos, he accused Republicans of passing a partisan resolution that changed funding levels and prevented Congress from overturning Trump's tariffs, which he claimed were harming the economy. His pacing through the halls and unsteady camera angles drew criticism, as his face was often shrouded in shadow due to poor lighting.

The videos were criticized by many social media users for appearing “cringe” and for Schiff seemingly attempting to adopt an influencer persona. One user commented, “Your panic is showing,” while another wrote, “Adam Schiff thinks he's an influencer now lmao.” The mocking tone reveals the frustration many had with Schiff's approach, which came off as unprofessional and staged in a political context.

The article discusses the looming threat of a government shutdown. The Republican-led spending bill had passed the House by a narrow margin, and if it is not approved by the Senate before the deadline, a partial shutdown would ensue. Schiff and most Senate Democrats oppose this bill, calling for a different 30-day spending plan. However, this seems unlikely due to the logistics of the House members returning to their home districts.

The article highlights Senator John Fetterman, D-Pa., who also weighed in on the situation, criticizing the political theatrics behind the government shutdown threats. Fetterman argued that risking a shutdown, creating chaos, and potentially plunging the country into a recession was not a productive way forward. His position reflects a sentiment that the political fighting in Washington is largely for show and will ultimately lead to compromise.

The article also delves into the animosity between Schiff and the Trump-supporting faction of the Republican Party, particularly MAGA (Make America Great Again) supporters. For years, Trump has accused Schiff of spreading lies during the Russia investigation, often calling it a "witch hunt" and "hoax," and the investigation ultimately found no wrongdoing. Schiff was also heavily involved in both of Trump's impeachments and the January 6 investigations, which created further friction between the California Democrat and Trump supporters.

The article revisits Trump's personal attacks on Schiff, including the infamous nickname "little pencil-neck Adam Schiff." White House Communications Director Steven Cheung resurrected this jab, calling Schiff's video “cringe” and mocking his physical appearance with the phrase, “The camera can't stabilize because the watermelon head is wobbling precariously on a pencil neck.”

There is an underlying critique of Schiff's attempt to adopt influencer tactics, with many online mocking his lack of professionalism. One X (formerly Twitter) user wrote, “Whoever told Schiff he’s a TikTok influencer should be fired,” which further emphasizes how his political persona is being viewed by critics—less as a serious lawmaker and more as someone trying to stay relevant in a digital age, but doing so in a way that doesn’t resonate with the public.

The article closes by highlighting the opposition to the GOP spending bill among Senate Democrats, with Minority Leader Chuck Schumer instructing all Democrats to vote against it. However, Fetterman’s potential support for the bill that could prevent a shutdown stands out as an exception. This sets the stage for further political maneuvering as both parties try to secure their agendas amidst the threat of a government shutdown.

The article captures the intersection of politics and social media in the modern age, where the use of influencer-like tactics by a prominent political figure such as Schiff is met with skepticism. His attempt at using modern, informal communication styles to connect with the public over a serious government issue was derided by many.

Meanwhile, the broader context of a looming government shutdown and the partisan conflict in Congress remains a critical issue, with different factions playing their political games. Ultimately, Schiff’s video attempt to influence public opinion may have backfired, as it was overshadowed by personal mockery and critiques from both sides of the political aisle.

Is the Government Shutting Down? Here's what’s happening.

(Part 1) pic.twitter.com/o0F9uB420i

— Adam Schiff (@SenAdamSchiff) March 13, 2025

Is the Government Shutting Down? Here's what’s happening.

(Part 2) https://t.co/JRuqZaQEDn pic.twitter.com/CpgOe3cmDL

— Adam Schiff (@SenAdamSchiff) March 13, 2025

Is the Government Shutting Down? Here's what’s happening.

(Part 3) https://t.co/e5RNjA5lSB pic.twitter.com/E1ZWDKa9xk

— Adam Schiff (@SenAdamSchiff) March 13, 2025