Sen. Schumer tells Dems to make government work for middle class

Sen. Charles Schumer of New York is urging fellow Democrats to embrace an active federal government that can help middle class workers facing a daunting global economy.

Schumer said Tuesday that Democrats performed poorly in this month's midterm elections in part because they let Republicans portray government as a drag on society rather than a potential force for good.

He adds that Democrats should push government efforts to help the working class stand up to forces such as big technology and globalization.

Schumer also says the federal government must show it can work more effectively than it often has in recent years. He cited the rollout of the so-called "Obamacare" program and problems at the Mexican border.

Schumer is a senior Democrat seen as one of the party's more effective messengers.