What about the Nuclear option

[krawhitham]

Can it be done or was that just repukes talk out their asses

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_option

[liberalpragmatist]

1. I'd be in favor

It'd be difficult, but if we can 51 votes for it, go for it. The filibuster is completely pernicious, and makes progressive change in this country IMPOSSIBLE.

[Ozymanithrax]

2. In order to change the rules before the next Congress sets in 2011...

they need 66 votes.

Since the new congress/Senate will decide its rules, I believe they could change the rules at that time with a simple majority vote. But it is not going to change now. The Republicans do not want Democrats to be able to govern and will do what ever they can to shut down the government.

[Clio the Leo]

3. Not if they can get it done another way....

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=433x133420

... the President said in his book that the prevailing thought about the nuclear option among Democrats that the precedent it would set was so dangerous (since we wont always be in the majority and dont want it used/abused when WE can filibuster) that they were only willing to consider it on something as important as judicial nominees. Once a judge is appointed, you cant repeal her like you can a law.

Of course it's all in who's ox is being gored and he was saying that as a US Senator and not the President.

[ShortnFiery]

4. Sure, but first do it for The Public Option and/or Medicare for ALL. eom

[FormerDittoHead]

5. +1 Yes. Nuke option for something that will WORK.

If you want to make the people happy, GIVE THEM SOMETHING THAT *WORKS*.

Single payer (or most everything that's been stripped out of the current bill) WORKS. Name a SINGLE PLACE WHERE IT'S FAILED AS MUCH AS OUR SYSTEM.

The REAL problem with the Democrats is they don't BELIEVE in history and what they see in other countries - they only see what's on TV with Republican talking heads doing the talking.

If we had a revolution and put in single payer - the people would LIKE it because IT WOULD WORK AS IT HAS WORKED *EVERYWHERE ELSE*.

Why are Social Security and Medicare political third rails? Not because they're liberal/conservative - BECAUSE THEY WORK, and people don't want to fix what's not broken.

That's why Republicans are toxic. What they support DOESN'T WORK. Tax breaks to the rich do NOT increase employment. Exporting manufacturing DOESN'T WORK.

Stop acting / appeasing Republicans! DO WHAT *WORKS*.