Sen. Chuck Schumer's Iran deal dissent is being applauded with a two-story video billboard in Times Square

Be it an "education campaign" or a premature celebration, a gigantic video billboard in the heart of New York City will nevertheless champion Sen. Charles Schumer's (D-N.Y.) opposition to the Iran nuclear deal. Standing two stories tall, the Times Square sign will be seen by over 300,000 daily visitors and will boast of Schumer's "principled leadership."

"It's in appreciation of Senator Schumer for his direct and brave statement opposing the Iran deal," Mark Wallace, a former Bush-era U.N. ambassador, explained to The New York Post. Wallace's advocacy group, United Against Nuclear Iran, paid for the ad. "Americans across the political spectrum have been craving politicians who act on principle. This message is designed to do that, to thank him for sticking to principle instead of party fealty."

The dissent last week by Schumer — the Senate's third-ranking Democrat and one of the most influential Jewish voices in Congress — marked a huge loss for the Obama administration as it tries to muster support for the deal. His decision could provide cover for other Democrats to join Republican efforts to block the landmark agreement, which lifts sanctions in exchange for curbs on Tehran's nuclear program.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up