Manchin signals willingness to reform filibuster.

[Oldem]

"Manchin told Todd that he opposes eliminating the filibuster outright because he believes doing so would suppress the minority party’s input. However, invoking the procedure should be more 'painful,' he said.

'Now, if you want to make it a little bit more painful, make him stand there and talk, I’m willing to look at any way we can,' Manchin said. 'But I’m not willing to take away the involvement of the minority.' "

[link:https://www.huffpost.com/entry/joe-manchin-filibuster-reform_n_6044ef01c5b660a0f3894e2f|

[Johnny2X2X]

1. Yes!

There’s a way to keep it but make it more traditional and not a hard stop.

[True Blue American]

2. Make them filibuster in person.

[mvd]

3. Another good thing - it says he may allow a simple majority vote on voting rights

The voting rights bill is a must pass IMO.

[brush]

4. We've been hearing "elections have consequences" whenever we're...

in the minority, now it's supposed to change that we're in the majority?

When the republicans get the majority back they won't give a wit about the minority, just as they've always shown.

In our two-party system you have to get it while the getting is good.

And he's acting like he cares so much about the minority when he votes with majority republicans half the time.

Fuck him.

[andym]

5. Manchin has always been about doing what he perceives is best for his state

over other considerations including his party. He has actually stated this in numerous interviews. His willingness to reform the filibuster suggests he is flexible. Why not bring back the Senate rules at the time of "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington", when a filibuster actually required holding the floor for hours on end as jimmy Stewart's character did.

[Irish_Dem]

16. I thought he was doing what was best for his re-election?

If he is perceived as liberal he won't get elected again?

[andym]

17. He might not run again

he has been ambivalent about that-- not that he has to worry too much until 2024 anyways which is long way off.

[Irish_Dem]

18. If that was true, he could just do the right thing. Nothing to lose.

[andym]

20. Which is why I brought up the reference to what he has stated

He actually believes he is doing the "right thing" which is what he perceives is best for his constituents. Just because we do not agree does not mean he thinks he is acting as principled as he can.

[Irish_Dem]

21. Right is right and wrong is wrong. That is all I have to say.

[Oldem]

23. How I wish it were that easy. One person's "right" is another person's "wrong." Situational

ethics has taught us that, as abhorrent as the idea is to me. Do we condemn Manchin for doing the wrong thing when he believes it's right? I recuse myself: as much as I'd like it to be easy, it's not. I'm fallible, myself

[CentralMass]

22. WVA ranks 46th in poverty by state. What's he doing to to improve that ?

[SoonerPride]

6. Make the minority party be present 24/7

Or the majority party can vote at 3am for cloture

As long as there is a quorum present and it gets 2/3 of the vote the filibuster can be broken.

Make those who want to filibuster have skin in the game.

Sure you can filibuster this bill but we can and will end it as soon as enough of you republicans leave the chamber.

Stay and fight for your beliefs. Otherwise your filibuster is only skin deep.

[yellowdogintexas]

7. My first thought when I read this: Wendy Davis 2013

13 hours on her feet; not allowed to use the furniture for support, no bathroom breaks, no food, and I think I am right on this: no water. She wore a catheter for crying out loud! (and the famous pink running shoes)

If someone is going to filibuster they should have to put up with the same rules.

She did not resort to stunts like "Green Eggs and Ham" or reading from the telephone directory, either. She presented hard cold facts and the personal stories of many many women who gladly gave her permission to use them

That is how it should be done.

[turbinetree]

8. Hey Manchin did you by chance see this .........about going back and voting "present"

CLTV 3/06/21 6:30am Play time: 05:20
How To Gut The Filibuster
By Susie Madrak

https://crooksandliars.com/cltv/2021/03/how-gut-filibuster

[Oldem]

11. Thanks, turbinetree. This is a good interview. Make 'em sleep on cots.

[turbinetree]

14. Your welcome....................make them sleep on cots

I had to sleep on a cot............it was not fun.............

[Volaris]

9. He hasnt figured out yet that stripping them of their ability to do nothing and get away with it,

Will FORCE them to involve themselves in ways that might actually be useful and productive.

Letting them sit there with their thumbs up OUR asses is absolutely the opposite of what he says he wants.

[Beastly Boy]

10. There we go!

I believe it was Sinema who, back in January, said that she is against ENDING the filibuster, and there is no possibility for her to change her mind. She got a lot of grief for her comment here on DU.

But neither she nor Manchin ever made comments about CHANGING the filibuster rules! Back then I suspected this is exactly what will be happening. What's next? Changing the fillibuster-proof majority to 55 senators? 51 senators? Making the filibustering senator stand on one leg and clap his hands for the duration of his speech? None of it will end the filibuster! Stay tuned...

[jorgevlorgan]

12. I take back most of the bad things I have said about manchin

...if he ultimately goes along with this, I will take back all of it. This gives me hope.

[Iggo]

13. Make the 41 do the work, not the 59.

Flip the script.

[Me.]

15. So Worried About THe Minority

when in reality the minority rules and the majority is who doesn't get a say.

[catbyte]

19. I could live with that depending on how good the reform is.

[regnaD kciN]

24. Who needs a filibuster as long as you've got Manchin...?

Sure, passing something reasonable with 60 votes seems impossible in today's environment -- but so does passing something reasonable with 50 votes, thanks to Manchin and Sinema.