Should Senate Dems consider abolishing the filibuster (nuclear option)?

[Unsane]

The filibuster is a PROCEDURAL rule; not a Constitutional one. No where in the U.S. Constitution does it mandate a supermajority in the Senate in order to pass legislation.

That being said. These are trying times. We need an assertive, productive Congress.

Without the filibuster, Dems would only ever need 50 votes. Biden would serve as 51. Up to 8 democrats could defect on any vote and we could STILL pass legislation.

Things that could be accomplished without a filibuster:

Bank reform

Universal healthcare

Housing reform

Education reform

Environmental reform

Social Security reform

Progressive federal judges

Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA)

Making Election Day a natl holiday

Corporate reform

Giving DC voting power in Congress

[TTUBatfan2008]

1. No, I think it's an important part of our democratic republic...

The right to voice dissent is important.

[Hawkeye-X]

3. Uh-huh, and how did that accomplish 8 years?

The time is now for nuclear option, and it can be revoked as soon as the national emergency is over.

Hawkeye-X

[rpannier]

13. Then that's what they'll say when they get back in power

We're suspending it until such a time as...

[BlooInBloo]

2. I'm still not appreciating the problem. Obama got pretty much EXACTLY what he asked for.

[elocs]

4. Think: The Law of Unintended Consequences.

It's unlikely that the Dems will hold power forever.

[blue_onyx]

5. No...keep the filibuster

The Dems won't always be in power. We may need the filibuster someday.

[CLANG]

12. It seems we don't use it anyway

[kwenu]

6. It's a procedural rule that promotes fairness and debate so lets keep it. The pendulum swings.

Let's not get stupid just because the pendulum is in our corner.

[Xipe Totec]

7. No. This goes in the shoot yourself in the foot category. n/t

[RollWithIt]

8. Absolutely not, should never even be brought up publicly..

Shame on the Republicans for ever bring that option up in the first place.

[camera obscura]

9. What do you suggest we do when the Republicans are back in power?

Because whether it's 2010 or 2016 or 2024, it's happening some day.

[Occam Bandage]

10. No. I'd rather not give the Republicans the key to unlimited power once we lose an election. nt

[w4rma]

11. Don't abolish it. Keep it. Just change it back to the verision that was in place 30 years ago. nt