It's on

[bigtree]

Andy Kroll @AndyKroll 1h
SCOOP: Biden has told Schumer & Pelosi that he's prepared to pressure moderate Dems to change the filibuster in order to pass a new voting-rights law.

“Chuck, you tell me when you need me to start making phone calls,” Biden said, per a source.

read: https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/biden-filibuster-voting-rights-corruption-manchin-sinema-1224269/

Link to tweet

[Scrivener7]

1. "moderate Democrats"

[empedocles]

3. 'November Democrats'

[KS Toronado]

13. You mean DINOs ?

[paleotn]

38. What would have passed for a run of the mill Republican 30 years ago.

[druidity33]

77. "Conservative Democrats"...

fixed it for them.

[spanone]

2. K&R

[SergeStorms]

4. Let's roll!

It's time to kick some fascist ass, and that might include a few of our own.

[hadEnuf]

9. +1000

n/t

[bucolic_frolic]

5. We must do this just to remain competitive against Republican gerrymandering

[KS Toronado]

12. I believe the For the People Act addresses gerrymandering

making it harder for either party to do, which is a good thing.

[Beartracks]

68. How would it right the gerrymandering wrongs of the past?

Sincere question.

============

[KS Toronado]

70. I don't believe anything will right the gerrymandering wrongs of the past

The past is history, all we can do is learn from it hopefully so we don't make the same mistakes.

[Alice Kramden]

6. President Biden

Once again, doing the next right thing

[gab13by13]

7. Schumer should have gone to president Biden,

not the other way around. President Biden doesn't need to worry about Speaker Pelosi, she just "handled" 9 moderate Democrats.

[StarfishSaver]

20. Good Lord

There's always something to complain about, isn't there?

Fyi, had you bothered to read the article before jumping in to criticize Schumer, you would know that Biden told Schumer this during a meeting in the Oval Office - meaning, of course, that Schumer DID go to Biden.

So there's one less thing to complain about.

[CrackityJones75]

22. Thank you for saying it.

[gab13by13]

24. What has Schumer done to pass S1?

What was Speaker Pelosi's hurry to pass her bill in the House? She understands what the hurry is, for one thing states are passing voter suppression, partisan election bills, one after the other. It takes time to beat back those GQP bills in the courts, it would help to have a federal law to counter all of those GQP bills.

Were I Chuck Schumer I would have busted up S1 into individual bills and brought them up for votes rapid fire one after the other. 1 vote on allowing food and drink to people in line to vote. 1 vote on mail in voting. 1 vote on poll watchers. Get my drift? Then when the GQP votes down every damn common sense voting bill I go to Manchin and Sinema and tell them I expect their votes for a carve out to the filibuster for election/voter bills. I would have done this months ago, doing nothing plays right into the GQP playbook, delay, obstruct until it's Kornacki time.

What scares me are people who keep saying wait, we don't know what is going on behind the scenes.

What you call complaining I call public pressure to get something done. When public opinion is on your side go for it. Democrats won a clean sweep for a reason, they have a mandate.

[StarfishSaver]

25. Lol

It's a shame Schumer never thought of any of that.

Maybe some of the armchair experts who know so much more about how to legislate and manage a Senate caucus than Schumer does should get out of those armchairs, go to Washington and get jobs in Senate leadership offices and the White House legislative affairs office so they can show Schumer and Biden how this should be done.

[gab13by13]

36. I did my duty,

I served 2 terms on borough council in a red neck town. I bucked them because they wanted to frack and strip coal on our watershed. They had the legal right to do all of that because of Dick Cheney so I guess I should have given up, the law and the powers in charge were against me. I mobilized the town folk got them to attend a council meeting where we had the largest attendance ever at a council meeting, I notified the local newspapers to send reporters to our council meeting, we beat them with people power.

I am far from an expert but I do know this, not trying because of 2 obstinate Senators is a recipe for disaster.

You are the Constitutional expert and I remember back when you were whomp whomping people like me who were saying that Trump was trying to stay in power, was trying to do a coup, you said not to worry, remember, you said it was just a formality on 1/6 that Trump was done, finished, that we were foolish to worry. Thank god that Speaker Pelosi convinced Congress to reconvene that night or Trump may still be in power. Remember? Arm chair experts were right to worry on 1/6 and you, with all due respect, were wrong to minimize that day.

[stopdiggin]

50. the riot at the Capital

as dangerous, disgusting and disheartening as that spectacle was - did little or nothing toward changing (or negating) the results of the election. If you are looking for a coup (a term I think overly employed), the real efforts and push toward subverting our democracy came about through statehouses, court filings and backroom phone calls -not through people wearing buffalo horns and face paint.

(Your thesis regarding 'people power' might have legs in some situations - on Jan 6th it delivered exactly nothing, and merited no notice or praises. And the people that predicted that DJT would leave office when prescribed - were, in the end, right.)
----- -----

[StarfishSaver]

54. I was right, though, wasn't I?

The results were certified, and at noon on January 20th Trump left office, and Biden became president.

In other words, the system worked, just as I predicted it would.

[Moebym]

53. This needs to be said more often. n/t

[mcar]

58. Wow, you seem to know so much more about legislating in the U.S. Senate

than does the Senate Majority Leader.

[NurseJackie]

32. I know... isn't it ridiculous? 😜😂🤣

All the whining and name-calling and insults and smearing of Democrats. All the second-guessing and absurd presumption that our Democratic leadership is "weak" or "lazy" or "incompetent" or "frightened". It's just absurd.

[gab13by13]

39. I don't see what you see,

I see concerned Democrats who understand that our democracy depends upon the passage of S1.

I wanted our DOJ to step in and stop the Cyber Ninjas from breaking federal law, that isn't whining or name calling. I said that if we don't stop what was going on in Arizona that they would move to other states and sure enough they are in my state now, Pennsylvania.

[NurseJackie]

41. Look harder and give it some more thought.

[StarfishSaver]

47. True - and even more absurd, but also very revealing

is that even when the Democrats do exactly what they're demanding, they STILL complain because they didn't do it yesterday or have the right color of socks on when they did it.

Complaining that Schumer should have gone to Biden instead of vice versa and then moving the goalposts again when learning that Schumer DID go to Biden, after all, is just the latest but one of more richer backpedals.

I also am amused by the constant demands that the Dems DO something before it's too late and then when they do it, folks dismiss them with "you should have done this before." Funny how it wasn't yet too late when they were making their demands, but suddenly it's a day late and a dollar short when it happens (often within minutes or hours after the most recent "DO it!" order was issued).

[mcar]

59. This is what makes me crazy

Some people are never, ever, happy with what Democrats do. Nothing is ever good enough to some. So, even when the right thing happens, like now, its "they didn't do it exactly the way I wanted."

I'm so old I remember when people here would scream that Obama should use the bully pulpit to talk about x, y, or z. Then, when Obama used said pulpit and gave a great speech outlining what should be done about x, y, or z, they'd sniff "talk is cheap."

Gotta keep those goalposts moving.

[StarfishSaver]

60. And ...

when they can't find any possible way to criticize the action, they take credit for if "He wouldn't have done it has we not beat him up about it ... it's about time he finally listened to us!"

[mcar]

61. Oh yeah

[Marius25]

8. I'm curious what kind of leverage he has?

I just don't see Manchin and Sinema caring.

[wnylib]

15. Biden has been in government service

for many decades. He knows how to leverege. Not saying that success is inevitable, but if anyone can do it, Biden can.

[Beetwasher.]

17. Agreed. The Executive Has Access to MANY Levers

And Biden knows how to pull them. With Nancy and Chuck at his side, they will be formidable.

[Evan1980]

51. But one needs to have leverage to use it.

Experience isn’t leverage. Machine and Sinema have their votes. What does Biden have that will change them?

[wnylib]

57. You are right that experience

Last edited Sun Sep 12, 2021, 03:28 PM - Edit history (1)

is not leverege. But, experience teaches you how to create and use leverage and whatever powers your office has for maneuvering.

I personally do not know what specific leverage Biden has at his disposal or what creative uses of his knowledge, experience, contacts, and authority he can or will use. Usually political leverage amounts to negotiations using a combination of the carrot and stick approach. Deals, compromises, enforcements, etc.

Someone with Biden's knowledge and experience knows what can be used and how. He has multiple contacts with influential people to help him arranging carrots, sticks, meetings, and deals. He has Schumer and Pelosi to work with him as well as other bright people to advise him.

There is no guarantee that he will succeed, but there is a chance. People said he would not be able to get thousands of people out of Afghanistan in the time he had left, and yet he did it and continues to negotiate for those who remain.

I would not underestimate him.

[StarfishSaver]

63. THANK you!

[ShazzieB]

72. YES!!!

If there's one thing I've learned since January 20, 2021, it is to never underestimate Joe Biden! Ever since he took office, he's been exceeding my expectations and accomplishing things I never would have thought possible. I have a lot of faith in the man at this point.

[Beetwasher.]

67. You Don't Often EVER Really Get to Know What Ultimately Motivated Someone To Change Their Votes

The real thing anyway. But both Manchin AND Sinema HAVE been moved to do so before, so history suggests, they have their price. Once you know that, it's IS just a matter of negotiation at that point.

[brush]

75. One bit of leverage he and Schumer have is the video...

posted here yesterday of Manchin back in January when trump was still president saying that "we should pass an infrastructure bill of 2, 3 even 4 trillion and just get it done." The clip is in the link below, along with other information on his corruprtion.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/1017681022

This can be held over Manchin's head as he's all over the map with his positions, and it shows that he's changeable. Joe Biden knows how to schmooze and how to threaten these moderates if necessary. Presidents have much influence on Dems in individual states who the moderates depend on for staying in office. Let's see how it plays out. If Manchin was in favor of a 4 trillion dollar bill just in January, he can be moved to back it again.

[Hotler]

10. Should have happened 6-months ago. Chuck, tell him to start calling now. nt

[StarfishSaver]

21. I'm sure Biden and Schumer are better judges of the correct timing than the internet experts

[gab13by13]

26. When is the correct time

before or after the GQP passes 400 voter suppression, partisan election bills?

[StarfishSaver]

28. I don't know. Neither do you.

You know who knows? Schumer and Biden.

[Doremus]

45. Heh, that solves it then.

Starfishsaver says Schumer and Biden know everything and we know nothing. Time to disband DU. There's nothing to discuss.

[StarfishSaver]

48. If that's what you gleaned from my post

that explains a lot.

[brush]

76. Please. They certainly know more than us as they're actually...

in DC and involved in the process. In other words, they're not comment on message boards and claiming to know one than Congresspersons and the president.

[WA-03 Democrat]

23. So March of 2021?

Yeah Joe, clean that stuff up faster.
What?
A Global Pandemic is more important in March of 2021 but you are working hard on both. 6 months later still kicking ass and taking names. He has been working on health and democracy issues his entire career.

Thank you President Biden!

[gab13by13]

30. President Biden has done a super job

no one can complain about the job he has done, he understands what working folks need. Speaker Pelosi has done a super job.

S1 should have been the top priority in the Senate, along with confirming judges, 24 judges that have been nominated by president Biden are waiting confirmation. You bet I am complaining, so far 9 judges have been confirmed, I am complaining about the Senate if that's against the rules so be it, alert on me because I believe it could be doing more. Sheldon Whitehouse will make a great majority leader some day.

[WA-03 Democrat]

34. Getting on the other side of the plague is the top priority

President Biden and his team and are working hard on so many fronts. If the last piece of the puzzle is the Senate, President Biden will just smile like a huge Cheshire Cat. HR1/S1 are key for the future of democracy and they will get through. We will not devolve. We will inch forward, aware and away from the cliff.

[NurseJackie]

35. Joe Biden and our Democratic leadership know what they're doing...

... they aren't idiots, so stop acting like they are. They know perfectly well what's possible and what's not. They know how to best spend their time and effort. They don't engage in the type of "grandstanding" and "showboating" politics that many on the internet seem to swoon over. They are wise and they know that the type of shouting and hyper-gesticulating and fist-shaking and bluster is only effective as a companion to fundraising efforts... but in the real world, a more nuanced touch is needed.

Trust Joe. Stop undermining him by second-guessing him.

[gab13by13]

43. Who is undermining president Biden?

Want to know something? I voted for Joe Biden back in the 2008 primary. I voted for him because I had been a union official for 26 years and our union endorsed him because he was a strong union man. I voted for experience and not for the up and coming rookie 1st term Senator, Barack Obama. I was wrong about Obama not having enough experience to win, I gladly voted for him in the general election. Obama's victory only confirms my opinion the power of people to move the needle and that is what it is going to take to get S1 passed, people power pushing Manchin and Sinema.

[NurseJackie]

46. Big picture.

Who is undermining president Biden?

Impatient amateur critics. I'm sorry, but for obvious reasons, I will not be spoon-feeding the answer to anyone. It's obvious what I'm talking about, one only need to look around to see the big picture.

[ShazzieB]

73. I can sure see it.

The armchair quarterbacks are thick as flies in here, and they wonder why some of us feel like swatting them!

[ananda]

11. Good!

!!!

[PortTack]

14. Good!!

[OMGWTF]

16. I've been wanting to take Manchin and Sinema out behind the barn for months now,

to teach them some facts about life.

[Beetwasher.]

18. As We Just Saw With the Vaccine Mandates

Joe is patient, and will give you many opportunities to do the right thing. But once his patience wears out, you better look out.

[gab13by13]

31. President Biden did the smart thing,

he waited until the vaccine got FDA approval, that's all he was waiting on or he would have done it sooner.

[mcar]

62. This! nt

[liberalla]

19. Let's do it! I'm trusting Joe and I want 'moderates' to support his efforts, too.

Especially for voting rights!

[calimary]

42. There's nothing "moderate" about the right to vote!!!

As the slogan goes, is you IS or is you AIN’T?

You’re either FOR the right to vote or you’re AGAINST it. Period. You’re either FOR Democracy or you’re NOT. You DO NOT get to “pick” your voters so you can edit yourself into a win you didn’t earn fair ‘n’square. The right to vote is that clear and Not Open to bargaining or compromise.

How do you “compromise” on the right to vote???

There is NO middle ground here. NONE.

And when you have to cheat to win, or rig the game so you can win, you’re no “winner.” If you have to manipulate like that, you’ve already lost. You’re a loser by definition. A cheat is a LOSER.

[SKKY]

27. Cool. I would like for him to start making his calls now...

...and the first should be to a certain Supreme Court Justice, imploring him to retire.

[Fla Dem]

29. If true, FANTASTIC! Time for the Dems to put on their big boy and girl pants and play hardball.

[Grins]

33. "When?" 21 January 2021. NM

[calimary]

37. THANK YOU!

Needed you on this awhile ago, Mr. President. But I’m VERY glad you’re on it now! If anybody knows how to work with other Senators, it’d be a guy who served a leading role IN the Senate for three decades.

[StarfishSaver]

49. He's been "on it" from Day One

An essential element of being "on it" is knowing when and how to step in and apply pressure that will actually have results.

It's very likely that had Biden stepped in earlier and started pushing senators around, it would have had the opposite effect of what we want.

Timing is everything

[Bleacher Creature]

40. Hallelujah!!!

Manchin and Sinema aren't going to be easy, but if anyone can move them it's Biden.

[SYFROYH]

44. Seems like it needs to be now to have any influence on mid-term elections

Good luck Joe.

[rickyhall]

52. What crooked dem Manchin?

Waterboarding? I guess not.

[Moebym]

55. Oh, here it comes

"why didn't he do this earlier" and "too little too late" - it's as predictable as the Sun setting in the west.

Politics at every level of government is a game, and few are more adept at playing it than the President. Like I trust scientists and doctors to advise the public on COVID-19, I trust the President to be a good judge of timing when it comes to utilizing his power of persuasion to twist some arms.

[StarfishSaver]

64. Thank you

While most folk on our side seem to be willing to defer to the expertise of scientists, medical professionals, educators, etc., for some reason some people think they have the same expertise in politics and the law as lawyers and our political leaders, constantly second-guessing, challenging, offering bizarre, uninformed analysis, even when It's pointed out that they don't fully understand the ins and outs of the areas they're critiquing.

It's like a NASCAR fan sitting in the stands yelling at the pit crews that they're servicing the cars all wrong and not getting the cars back on the track fast enough - thinking he's just as knowledgeable as the guys in the pit because he drives an automobile and listens to Car Talk.

[Blue Owl]

56. Bring it on!

[lindysalsagal]

65. He knows they lie and cheat, and their followers are too blind to care.

[totodeinhere]

66. This is good news, especially since President Biden had been on record as opposing

changing the filibuster rules. Now we just need to get Manchin and Sinema on board.

[Snackshack]

69. So...

Unfortunately PB/DOJ/Dems have let DT and GOP continue this “illegitimate president” BS for so long w/o smacking it down with facts and reality that who’s gonna care if he starts making phone calls.

[ShazzieB]

74. Non sequitur?

This thread is not about DJT and the big lie.

[BigmanPigman]

71. Fucking A!