Reply #2: My theory: Maybe some Dems did want to use the filibuster but Leadership

[no_hypocrisy]

advised strongly against it. They were hoping to gain majorities in both Houses the next election and knew if they used the filibuster, they'd lose with Republicans claiming they were obstructionist.

The problem has been for a while and still is that Republicans are allowed to control the message. I haven't known of effective defensive responses and redirection of the issues. Example: If Republicans filibuster and obstruct, that's "democracy". If Democrats do it, they are contrarian and hold up needed money to Americans.

Double standard hypocrisy but to be fair, the Leadership allows it.