Reply #162: You are being sarcastic, right? They never needed 60.

[Mithreal]

Check the record during the Bush years. He had as low as 49/51 and I think his high was 55 but google it if you don't believe me.

The filibuster is a recent invention, it can be modified with I think it is 50+1 votes. An alternative progressively decreasing filibuster has also been discussed by the grassroots. So something like, 60 votes needed the first so many days, 57 the next so many days, 54 and so on. Do I even have to mention the threats Republicans made to blow up the filibuster rule, just kill it? Could have done that too.

It gets more interesting though. Because medicare buy-in, medicare for all, public option all are budget items they can be passed with 50+1 now using reconciliation. All the other reforms popular with the people not directly budget related could be put in a separate bill and passed separately or not.

Please fellow DU'er don't believe the hype. We are about to get a bill that is unlike anything we worked our asses off for and are being given excuses and nothing more. At the very least don't propagate this excuse.