Thread by @RBReich

This week may be the Biden administration's low point. So how can Biden regain momentum?

Here are 10 steps he should take, starting this week -- a thread:

1. Reach out to Murkowski, Collins, Romney, and any other possibly principled senate Republican, to gain support for any reasonable compromise on the filibuster (even a “talking filibuster” would be better than the current standoff).

2. Accompany this with a speech about how often the filibuster has been used to block popular legislation, especially over the last dozen years, why it’s fundamentally anti-democratic, and what it’s blocking now — voting rights and highly popular measures in “Build Back Better."

3. Urge Schumer to initiate separate votes on these popular measures. Let the public see how Republicans use the filibuster to stop them.

4. Urge Democrats to run next November against a Republican Party that refuses to get anything done for the working class.

5. Issue an executive order on drug pricing, such as requiring Medicare to obtain the lowest possible drug prices.

6. Issue an executive order to roll back Trump’s Medicaid work requirements and boost funding for groups helping people enroll in ACA plans.

7. Issue an executive order relieving former students of up to $10,000 of college loan debt owed the federal government.

8. As to Omicron, provide clear public health guidance around masking and testing. Explain when and where rapid tests and masks can be obtained free of charge.

9. Ask OSHA to immediately redraft its vaccine-or-testing mandate to focus on large employers with the highest incidence of COVID.

10. Meanwhile, remain upbeat but realistic. Remind the public of the economic successes so far. Celebrate recent union victories and call for more and stronger unions. Reassure the public of your commitment to fighting for a democracy and an economy that works for everyone.

In case you'd rather see one list than a long Twitter thread, here is the original: robertreich.substack.com/p/week-ahead-b…