From FireDogLake:
My question is: If Democratic Senators like Stabenow actually believe Republicans are trying to destroy the lives of millions of Americans and our economy, why on Earth are Senate Democrats letting Republicans do it?
Forty-one Senate Republicans can’t constitutionally stop a bill unless the Senate Democrats let them. Fifty Democratic Senators plus Joe Biden can pass any legislation they want if they are willing to play hardball.
If they wanted to, Democrats could pass a budget resolution with reconciliation instructions that could be used for the tax-extender bill. They could than pass the tax bill as a reconciliation measure, which can’t be filibustered in the Senate. This process would be very time consuming but could in theory work.
Better yet, Democrats could just take to the floor and use the "nuclear option" to eliminate the absurd anti-constitutional filibuster once and for all. Within an hour, they could end the much-abused practice and pass the tax-extender and jobs bill that millions of Americans desperately need. If Democrats actually believe Republicans are using the filibuster to destroy our economy for political gain, then eliminate it—now. Millions are suffering so Senate Democrats can maintain the silly, destructive traditions of their chamber.
No one knows the outcome of every political maneuver. To believe that the democrats have a long-term strategy for winning votes based on the changing opinions of the masses is unlikely.
What's more likely is that a small portion of them are weak, scared, ineffectual little cowards who want to hide behind the 60 vote majority because they don't have the balls to stand up for something that might threaten that dainty hold on their job. I wonder if they see the irony in that.
The fact is that we don't NEED 60 votes to pass legislation. This is just a bullshit setting created by folks like Harry Reid to give himself and his fellow senators a place to hide.
The country is in far too miserable shape to be run by people who don't understand the urgency needed.
My frustration with my fellow democrats continues because THEY DON'T UNDERSTAND THE POWER OF STANDING UNITED.
Question: WHY DO YOU THINK BUSH AND THE REPUBLICANS WON MAJORITIES OVER THE PREVIOUS EIGHT YEARS? It wasn't because their ideas were better. It was, instead, the result of bullying, pushing, standing their ground and using fear as a lever.
While the fear factor is an ugly lever to push, the rest is valid.
The simple fact is that there isn't much time left. If Democrats don't start acting like adults instead of scared little children, they will lose enough spots in Congress and Senate to give Republicans a majority. Then we're back to Clinton's second term - where the republicans pulled out all the stops to damage the President and stall all laws and reform.
If that happens, I'm sorry, but the democratic lawmakers have no one to blame but themselves.