Watching Senator Sanders on the floor makes me wonder . . .

[TomClash]

. . .why is it that Democrats actually have to filibuster to try to kill a bill but when Republicans even threaten to filibuster it seems like the bill immediately dies?

Yes, I suppose it is a rhetorical question.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. Because we keel over and die...

and they don't.

:argh:

[polichick]

3. Sadly, it seems so. Makes you wonder whose side our leaders are on. nt

[Individualist]

7. Their actions make it quite clear whose side they're on.

[polichick]

10. The WH and Senate are pretty clear, not so sure about the House. nt

[tridim]

2. It makes me wonder if people will finally get a clue..

We care about governing, they don't. The difference is striking.

I just hope the media spends a few precious minutes reporting what is happening today.

[TomClash]

4. Me too

Someone needs to wake them up.

At times like these I really miss Kennedy and Wellstone.

[L. Coyote]

5. JOIN US: ***** Official LIVE BLOG Senate = Tax Cuts Debate *****

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x9744049

[Recursion]

Because Sanders doesn't have 40 votes against it

If he did, he wouldn't need to keep talking (thought he might do it anyways if he felt like it).

[Individualist]

6. Because DLC controls the party.

[1776Forever]

8. Sadly n/t

:thumbsup:

[Critters2]

9. Zackly. nt

[sam kane]

11. damn socialist ;-). nt.

nt.

[Still a Democrat]

12. It's theatre

He doesn't have the votes.

[bvar22]

18. Standing up for the lower 98% = "Theater"

Borrowing Billions from China to give to Millionaires, and making our Children PAY for it PLUS Interest = "Sensible Pragmatism".



I GET IT!

[WHEN CRABS ROAR]

13. Corporations and banks run this country, we don't !

[Better Believe It]

14. Because Democratic leaders immediately withdraw a bill when a procedural filibuster is threatened.

or when they have an initial vote to end debate which doesn't immediately get 60 votes.

And rather than let the debate continue and not permit other Senate business to proceed under a procedural "filibuster" they permit Senators to take up other legislation under Reid's "two-track" procedure.

[TomClash]

20. And then the Republicans get what they want . . .

. . . but never have to filibuster. Nice deal.

[garybeck]

15. Sanders is not a Democrat. He's an Independent.

does that answer your question?

[TomClash]

17. Thanks, but a few Democratic Senators are lined up in support

Like Sherrod Brown.

[garybeck]

22. True, but I'd say there's a difference between "lining up in support" and

sticking your neck out.

[JitterbugPerfume]

16. it is called putting your principles

where your mouth is

[BzaDem]

19. Bernie Sanders is not filibustering, even though he says he is. The cloture vote will occur

on Monday, he will be stopped mid-sentence if he's still speaking, and cloture will be invoked. Because there are 60 votes to pass the bill. His speaking is just for show.

If there weren't 60 votes, he wouldn't have to say a word. Cloture would simply never be invoked.

[Matariki]

23. Thanks. That's the best explanation. Although I'm not sure the 60 vote thing is set in stone.

My Senator's offices claim the Senators haven't made a decision yet - and that it was useful to hear from their constituents.

[Matariki]

21. I called my Senator's office and asked.

they explained that the laws changed in the 90's and he's chosen to do it old school to make a point.

The (very nice) woman I spoke to clearly wanted to express her personal opinion on how the Republicans have been taking gross advantage of the law change, but kept having to stop herself to say she wasn't permitted to give personal opinion ;-)