General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Damn Defeatism and Doomsaying! [View all]rhett o rick
(55,981 posts)politician.
Now is it possible that he had the votes (therefore didnt lie) and choose not to call the vote? If so, what would be the ramifications? Would those that favored reform come out and expose his inaction?
If he didnt have the votes, why didnt he? It would mean that nine Democrats (or 8 D and 1 I) would vote with Republicans on stifling reform. Is that possible? Wouldnt that be embarrassing and harm their reelection possibilities?
Some have suggested, foolishly IMO, that the Democrats are afraid if they reform the filibuster rule it might come back to bite them in the future if the REpublicans get control. Have to add that this argument is absurd to the max. First of all the Republicans would sure as hell change the rules in the future if they thought for a second it would help them. In fact they used the threat of the nuclear option to get their way in the past. The only reason they didnt use is was because the Democrats caved when threatened. Besides, the rule can be abused and needs to be changed.
Sorry I rambled.