The structure of the Senate gives disproportionate power to a minority of the population. This minority happens to be represented by economically & socially regressive people. There is no reason to preserve Senate rules that further exacerbate this power imbalance (filibuster).
That said, Manchin & Sinema won't support abolishing the filibuster (though perhaps they could support "reform?"). Hopefully they can be convinced to change their minds, but they're not there yet. So, the only option Dems have *right now* for COVID relief is reconciliation.
reconciliation requires that provisions in a bill meet the Byrd rule. Democrats did the right thing in trying to get the minimum wage through, though it was always a strong possibility the parlimentarian would rule it didn't meet the rules.
I think the next steps are for Dems to try to get the rest of the bill through using reconciliation. Lean hard on Sinema & Manchin on the filibuster & use the minimum wage to do so. Lean on the whole senate to raise the min wage in a separate bill. Make a lot of noise about it.
Overall, most of our anger is best directed at the GOP. If you are mad about the filibuster, blame Manchin & Sinema. If you want the VP to override the parlimentarian, yell at Biden and/or Schumer. Harris isn't going to make the decision here.
Also, I see a lot of people making the argument that we should screw reconciliation as a process here & just pressure Manchin & Sinema on the filibuster. I don't personally think we should draw out COVID relief on this bet. It's too urgent.
Yeah, this is a good point. Manchin & Sinema haven't been on board w/ $15 and they will definitely not be on board w/ overriding the parlimentarian, which will then result in all kinds of irritating "moderate" posturing.
https://twitter.com/partlycloudypat/status/1365363574105772034
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