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In reply to the discussion: Eleanor Clift: Will Obama Ever 'Fess Up to His Merrick Garland Mess? [View all]BumRushDaShow
(128,867 posts)IMHO, DU needs a "Civics" forum somewhere.
There are far too many who post here who have no clue as to how these chambers work and refuse to believe that foot-stomping podium pounding will NOT change the "rules" of each of the chambers and the determination of those who control them.
Look at the DREAM Act and immigration legislation in general. Eddie Munster refused to bring up any of the "bipartisan" drafts for a vote because the possibility was there for them to pass. He, like Turtle, follow the "Hastert Rule" (majority of the majority) in order to even consider whether legislation would be permitted to come to the floor for consideration. And since the GOP was "the majority", then if they didn't support it enough to pass (usually based on whip count) then they did all they could to torpedo it. And the only reason why some stuff DID make it to the House floor was due to "discharge petitions", either actually filed or threatened to be filed, that would force legislation to the floor - but then that requires a certain number ("bipartisan majority" of the total chamber) to be enabled.