Joe Biden wants filibuster reform (#4428)

      President Joe Biden came out yesterday and said he is for filibuster reform. Senator Joe Manchin has already said he is for filibuster reform. So at least we have a starting point from which to begin the conversation of filibuster reform and what that will look like. Two months ago we were well back from this point so the movement although not lighting fast in real time is in political time, amazingly quick. After watching what happened on the stimulus bill I have no doubt that both Biden and Manchin see the writing on the wall that attempting to negotiate with republicans, who have no good faith, is a fool's errand.
     Both Joes have mentioned the filibuster reform that requires a senator to hold the floor with a speech to attempt to delay a vote. Like the movie "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington". That in itself would cripple the republican advantage of forcing the majority to cross a 60 vote threshold. I would like to see a carve out for voting rights like we currently have for confirming judges on the federal circuit courts and supreme court, as well as on budget issues. It seems very logical as Stacy Abrams has forwarded since the right to vote and accompanying voting issues are fundamental to maintaining our democracy. The social contract of democracy is self rule and when that self rule contract is broken by republicans we no longer have a democracy.
     This 2 year window between the general election in 2020 and the midterm election in 2022 is crucial to getting the Biden agenda accomplished as much can happen between now and then to change the current dynamics of a closely held majority by we democrats to republicans. I don't foresee it but politics is not an easy electoral rubric to predict. Especially considering that the current voter restrictions being advanced by republicans in the states. As well the redrawing of districts into republican gerrymandered strongholds. We must get our democratic agenda passed in the next year and a half  by reforming the filibuster or eliminating it or we gamble on not getting anything done at all.