Politics Nov. 2022 voting and election news

That's insufficiently accurate. Republicans like the current system. Republicans can and do block every attempt at reform via the filibuster.

barfo

 

And then threaten the Dems not to remove the filibuster.

 

This isn't an issue you can 'both sides'. Democrats do NOT have the power to unilaterally pass campaign finance reform.

barfo

 

No, they could not have eliminated the filibuster. Democrats are not the Borg. Manchin and Sinema weren't interested in getting rid of the filibuster, so there weren't enough votes. There is no way to force those two to vote with the Democrats.

Because the current system favors their Republican opponents. The current system is a threat to many D representatives. Democrats don't have as many billionaire donors as Republicans. That's the motivation.

barfo

 

Yes, two specific Democrats chose not to use it. Not 'the Democrats'. Not 'the DNC'. Not 'the party'. Two individual people.

Right... no politician worries about raising money. That's why they never spend any time on the phone with donors, right?

barfo

 

I think your theory that the Democratic Party is some single entity with absolute control over its members is blinding you to what is and isn't possible.
Exactly how do you think Manchin and Sinema could have been forced to vote to end the filibuster?

barfo

 

The Dems have gotten things done, they have just always been immediately undone once Republicans gain power again.

I agree the Democrats need to take more initiative. When you are trying to play fair and by the rules against an opposing side that openly throw the rules out and shit fair down the toilet you can't win. The Dems continue to find it more important to look like the good guy, and maintain the ability to point at the Republicans and say look they aren't playing fair or by the rules.

The Dems need to play hardball. If they had more of a majority in the Senate, another seat or two at least they would have likely tried to get more done.

The Dems in the House passed a lot of stuff but, it couldn't get through the Senate. I agree with @barfo that Manchin and Sinema screwed the Dems by holding out their votes. They might as well be Republicans.

Manchin was holding back on a lot of bills because it would affect him personally as he owns a coal business. He also gets most of his campaign contributions from rich Republicans. Campaign refinance would stop much of that.

Also, as for the filibuster, the Dems are afraid to end it because it's the only defense they have to stop a scumbag opponent party from putting through terrible bills.

They couldn't have ended the filibuster even if they wanted because Manchin and Sinema wouldn't vote for it. And if they did, once they lose the majority the Republicans get to do whatever they want.

 

What is this 'it' that the Republicans get done? Mostly, they obstruct. The system is set up to enable obstruction. It's much easier to not do things than to do things. On the rare occasions when R's try to do things, they run into the same issues (see, for instance, repealing ACA).

So, again, what's your suggestion for getting Sinema and Manchin to do the right thing? Be specific.

I don't think you have any evidence for that theory.

barfo

 

Oh, I see. Well, that's a great plan. Just 'get on the same page'. Why not use a magic wand, wouldn't that be a good alternative?

barfo

 

In the broad sense, you are right. Voters aren't interested in that (at least, not as much we think they should be), and so they don't vote in enough members of the only party that would enact that - (hint: starts with D) - to get it done.

Not having enough votes to enact legislation is not the same thing as not being interested in enacting the legislation.

Republicans don't want to do it. Democrats don't have the votes to do it.

Not both sides.

barfo