Thread by @BoldProgressive

THREAD: With the big news that @Sen_JoeManchin
will vote YES to proceed with debate on protecting democracy, here are some thoughts on the landscape, the forks in the road, the leverage, the key questions for activists (and pundits) to consider. A thread. thehill.com/homenews/senat…

The big question advocates have asked for weeks is: Will there be 50 votes to move forward the substance? Without that, the filibuster doesn't matter. 50 Democrats are saying together: We are committed to protecting democracy. "Inaction is not an option."

https://twitter.com/Sen_JoeManchin/status/1394378393706242049

WE ALWAYS KNEW that if Dems succeeded in getting 50 votes, Repubs would filibuster. The goal is to pass reform by August, so it can be implemented by 2022. It was smart for @SenSchumer to call the question in June to allow time for next steps to play out. We're ahead of schedule.

A KEY QUESTION FOR ADVOCATES: How is our reaction, our activism, our tone different today than if Schumer came up short on votes or waited until August for today's key unity moment? How do we reward success while keeping the pressure on to get this across the finish line?

A FORK IN THE ROAD: After today's unity vote, do we demand filibuster reform NOW or consider it the next step? If Schumer commits to another vote soon, it seems smart to organize, let Manchin see AGAIN that Repubs don’t deal in good faith, and make rules change the big next step.

In addition to timing, there are different theories on reform: 1) Eliminate the filibuster altogether. 2) A democracy exception. 3) First, eliminate the filibuster on the “motion to proceed” to debate. Then more changes. 4) Other variations like requiring 40 pro-active votes.

Seems like we should go as big as we can as fast as we can. If we end the filibuster on starting debate, Repubs would not like the embarrassing votes for big-money corruption they'd be forced to take. Pressure would build to either pass the bill or for MORE rules changes quickly.

As Fox's Chris Wallace pointed out to Manchin...every time he says that he opposes filibuster reform, he hurts his own leverage with GOP senators. If Manchin wants to save democracy, he'll need to be disciplined in keeping his options on the table. And exercising those options.

At the end of the day, @MsLaToshaBrown and @PublicWise sum up the choice for us all: "The choice for senators and all Americans is simple: we protect our democracy for everyone, or let Republicans dismantle it for everyone but their own voters."
talkingpointsmemo.com/cafe/on-voting…

Thanks to YEARS of work on #ForThePeopleAct and democracy issues.

Proud to be in the fight w/ @StopBigMoney @Public_Citizen @CommonCause @BrennanCenter @RepresentUs @WorkingFamilies @UniteThePoor @Popdemoc @CommonDefense @VoteVets @Lucha_AZ @NewGAProject @TXOrgProject, others.

Minutes ago, all 50 Democratic senators stood united to protect our democracy — & Republicans chose obstruction instead.

This vote is just the start of the fight. Help us be all in this month — to organize, engage key senators, & REFORM THE FILIBUSTER: pccc.me/3gOqseM