Inslee knocks Sanders, 2020 rivals over filibuster support [View all]

[brooklynite]

Politico

Jay Inslee’s presidential campaign is built around an ambitious crusade to stop climate change and cut carbon out of everyday American life. But the Washington governor says his sweeping plans to remake the U.S. economy are more achievable than 2020 rivals’ big ideas, because he accepts that the first step would be abolishing the filibuster in the Senate.

Though the 2020 presidential field is overflowing with ambitious policy proposals, nuking the 60-vote threshold to overcome minority opposition in the Senate has given many Democrats pause — especially among the current and former senators atop the polls. Sen. Elizabeth Warren has expressed support for ending the filibuster, but Sens. Bernie Sanders, Amy Klobuchar, Cory Booker and Michael Bennet have warned against getting rid of it, while Kamala Harris and Kirsten Gillibrand have been cautious on the issue.

But in an interview with POLITICO reporters and editors, Inslee said rivals’ most important policy priorities don’t have “a chance in hell” without filibuster reform.

"My opponents and the other aspirants in the race have really sincere, powerful things they want to get done," Inslee said. "None of which would have a chance in hell of getting done if they continue to cling to this filibuster. There is no way that Mitch McConnell is going to let major climate change legislation to the Senate floor. Even if we have 59 votes. He's not going to let it happen."