Filibuster 2.0: How 41 Senators Control The Country Without Actually Filibustering | TPMDC
When Republican Scott Brown won the special election for Ted Kennedy's old senate seat last week, the GOP rejoiced and Democrats fretted about the legislative implications of losing their filibuster-proof, 60-seat supermajority. With their advantage whittled to 59-41 -- still a huge advantage, at least in the context of history -- Democrats wondered whether they could pass their signature health care reform package. Some media outlets even declared that Democrats had lost their majority (they hadn't).
via tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com
I've now watched several interviews of Doris Kearns Goodwin on the television explaining that the Republicans should be forced to filibuster. And I tended to agree. But, this commentary explains why it's not a practical way to push legislation through Congress.
On the other hand, I'd like to see the Republicans have to own up to being obstructionist. It's easy to say NO!, it's harder to try to come up with an answer to a problem.
