Manchin and the filibuster.

[speak easy]

I've noticed when Manchin says something we agree with, what follows is is something like - So kill the filibuster Senator, or shut up.

There's a few things I'll say about that -

1. Sen. Joe Manchin on ending the filibuster: 'Jesus Christ, what don't you understand about 'never'?'
https://www.businessinsider.com/joe-manchin-says-he-will-never-support-ending-the-filibuster-2021-3

2. The way to end the filibuster once and for all is to elect more Democratic Senators in 2022.

3. Build Back Better is going through with a second Budget Reconcilliation.

4. S1. / HR. 1 & 4. is going through as well. I realize people like instant gratification, but the leadership group (which includes Manchin) is not going to show it's hand until the time comes. There are a number of ways forward - for example, a one-off exercise of the nuclear option.

But if any version of the filibuster remains, critical legislation will be stalled; The Equality Act, Immigration Reform, Gun Control, the $15 minimum wage, and the Public Option, for example.

Endless 2 minute hates go nowhere - it's political masturbation. If you want change, working your tail off to get more Democrats in the Senate, and shoring up the House would be a good start.

My 2c.

[flying rabbit]

1. I think you are pretty close to the mark on this.

My 2c.

[OnDoutside]

2. I think that's fair comment, some of it down to a lack of understanding, and some of it being

the topic of the day. People can't seem to differentiate between somebody elected in a D+20 state v a Dem elected in an R +30 state, where of course they want to get to the same end point, but they need to tread carefully. Also as i have said previously, Manchin stands to benefit more than someone like AOC from S1/HR1/HR4.

[brush]

3. I suspect the admin/Dems are working on Manchin with proposed...

infrastructure projects that will bring thousands of good jobs to West Virginia to replace all the lost coal mining jobs if he eases up on his filibuster stance.

Let's see what happens.

[Thunderbeast]

5. I see West Viirginia's first submarine base soon!

[speak easy]

6. With Admiral Manchin at the helm

of the USS Robert Byrd.

[brush]

18. Yes, Manchin seems to love the attention.

Now let's see if he can get a canal dug from W. Va. to the Atlantic to sail the subs because W. Va. is landlocked.

[OnDoutside]

16. I agree, and I would be completely surprised if all this isn't just choreography.

[uponit7771]

4. Manchin reminds me of dems Susan Collins; concerned but votes dem anyway keeps his seat

[Fullduplexxx]

7. Damnit and we were so close

[Dem4Life1102]

8. The filibuster gives Manchin

and others cover so they don't have to vote against progressive bills. The GOP will do their dirty work for them.

[speak easy]

9. The Bills are going to the floor.

[brer cat]

10. Worth more than 2c.

FWIW, I agree.

[Hotler]

11. Joe, is that you? ...................... nt

[speak easy]

12. Yes, I'm Uncle F. Joe,

back from the dead

[Yavin4]

13. Number 2 on your list is a nearly impossible standard.

There are not enough states that will elect 60 or more Democrats to the U.S. senate. That's an impossible standard to put on rank and file Democrats to pull off.

In fact, it's almost victim blaming. "Hey, sorry you lost your voting rights, but you didn't work hard enough to help the Democratic party flip South Dakota."

Democrats have the power right now to effectuate the change that we all want. There are more than enough votes. What's missing is courage and conviction on the part of some senators.

[speak easy]

14. Give up and do nothing?

Winning the GA run offs was nearly impossible too.

Winning two more seats is not impossible.

[Yavin4]

15. The Dems would need TEN more seats, not just two.

That's an impossible standard, and everyone knows that.

[Silent3]

17. I think he/she is saying two more Dems to get rid of the filibuster...

...without the help of Manchin or Sinema.

But I still agree with you. If we don't get rid of the filibuster NOW, and therefore don't pass voter protection, two more Senate seats in 2022 becomes an even bigger stretch.

On the other hand, get rid of the filibuster now, and it will be much, MUCH easier to make Democratic gains in the Senate, not just because of all of the voter suppression we can prevent, but because of all of the things Democrats will be free to do between now and next election to make voters happy.

And that's the real battle. Republican opposition to everything and anything Dems want has nothing at all to do any particular bill in Congress. It is entirely about frustrating Democratic plans to make voters unhappy with Democrats, to win back control in 2022 and 2024, and then use that power to totally fuck over the voting system in an attempt to establish permanent Republican control.

And since I doubt either Manchin or Sinema are naive enough to not understand the stakes, I have to wonder what the hell they're thinking and where there priorities are.