President Obama invited five prominent lefty bloggers to the White House for a chat. Overall it was a productive conversation, but I’ve chosen to focus on one small part of it. Most of the gridlock we have experienced over the last 20 months stems from Republican misuse of the filibuster. Assuming that Democrats hold the Senate, they have a one day opportunity to change the rule with a simple majority vote. Here is the discussion on that subject.
Q On that same issue, because a lot of progressives — and you said you’re not the king — well, a lot of progressives feel that senators, especially in the minority they think — we call them the House of Lords. And are you in favor of any form of filibuster reform? Because there are several bills being talked about. And there is a unique time that — by the way, we’re also very happy that Vice President Biden went down to do a fundraiser for Alan Grayson. He’s the type of Democrat that speaks out and fights. And that’s what the progressive community really likes.
But he also might have the opportunity in January to be — to help out. And can we get — or are you for any of the bills that are out there to support — to change this rule that is paralyzing the administration?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, I’ve got to be careful about not looking like I’m big-footing Congress. We’ve got separate branches of government. The House and the Senate have their own rules. And they are very protective of those prerogatives. I will say that as just an observer of our political process that if we do not fix how the filibuster is used in the Senate, then it is going to be very difficult for us over the long term to compete in a very fast moving global environment.
What keeps me up at night is China, Germany, India, Brazil — they’re moving. They make decisions, we’re going to pursue clean energy, and the next thing you know they’ve cornered half the clean energy market; we’re going to develop high-speed rail in the span of five years — suddenly they’ve got high-speed rail lines going; we’re going to promote exports, here’s what we’re going to do — boom, they get going. And if we can’t sort of execute on key issues that will determine our competitiveness over the long term, we’re going to fall behind — we are going to fall behind.
And the filibuster is not part of the Constitution. The filibuster, if you look at the history of it, may have arisen purely by accident because somebody didn’t properly apply Robert’s Rules of Procedure and forgot to get a provision in there about what was required to close debate. And folks figured out very early, this could be a powerful tool. It was used as a limited tool throughout its history. Sadly, the primary way it was used was to prevent African Americans from achieving civil rights.
But setting aside that sordid aspect of its history, it was used in a very limited fashion. The big debates, the big changes that we had historically around everything from establishing public schools to the moon launch to Social Security, they weren’t subject to the filibuster. And I’m sympathetic to why the minority wants to keep it. And in fairness, Democrats, when we were in the minority, used it on occasion to blunt actions that we didn’t think were appropriate by the Bush administration.
Q On occasion.
THE PRESIDENT: And in fairness, there were a whole bunch of folks here who were already writing blogs at the time who were saying, filibuster, block them, do anything you can to stop them. And so if we’re going to call for reform, it’s got to be with open eyes and an understanding that that also means that if Republicans are in power, it’s easier for them to move their agendas forward. But my general view is, what that does at least is it opens it up to serious public debate. Things don’t get bogged down in the kinds of procedural nonsense that makes it just hard for us to do business. I mean, during the financial crisis, half my Treasury slots weren’t filled — couldn’t get them filled. And this is a time when we were worried that the entire financial system was melting down. So that’s — I believe it’s something that we’ve got to take seriously. All right?… [emphasis added]
Inserted from <Crooks and Liars>
I agree with most of what he has to say. I’m certain that, if Republicans get control, they will change the rules. It’s better to change them on our watch to accomplish the things for America that can keep Republicans out of power.
The article contains a complete transcript of the meeting. I encourage you to click through to it, because it is well worth the read.
11 Responses to “Obama on the Filibuster”
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So what if the Republicans change the rules? It would be the same if the Democrats didn’t lamely allow the Republicans to declare a filibuster AND THEN NOT MAKE THEM STAND AND BLATHER FOR HOURS!!!! The Republicans would then have to reveal themselves for what they are, and there would be fewer Tea Baggers to muck on the nation with their ignorance on the GOP’s behalf.
The Democrats could learn something from the martial arts: use your opponents’ strength against them. Making them filibuster when they declare one keeps them out of the K Street brothels and away from evil influences while simultaneously demonstrating to the voters how they are completely unsuited to majority rule.
I like your point, Realist, but on any given day dozens of items are under consideration. That would tie up everything in the Senate, ensuring complete gridlock, which is exactly what Republicans want.
That’s what’s happening now – so why not let them blather on? I bet they don’t have the balls for it. 👿 👿
That is preferable to what is now, but I still thing ending it is past due.
Realist – I totally agree with you. When the Repubs say they are going to filibuster – then make them stay there for 24 hours and read the phone book for all I care. But Harry just walks away and says ‘they’re going to filibuster, so there’s nothing we can do’. BULLSHIT. I am for reforming the filibuster – 67 votes to overcome it is ridiculous and no party will ever achieve that majority status. The President was very wise with his words – not wanting to overstep his bounds as POTUS, but making it very clear that it needs to be reformed. 😀
It’s 60 to overcome it, Lisa. 🙂
One thing I am concerned about is if the Democrats retain the Senate but do change the rules if the more moderate Democrats, or DINOs, use their position on the fence to water down legislation in exchange for political favors benefiting themselves and their sates…
Keith, they’re already doing that. Nelson wanted $3M for Medicaid for voting for the Healthcare bill and he got it. We water it down for them and they STILL don’t vote for it. Shit, they don’t even vote for their OWN bills. It’s ridiculous.
Kevin, that is a valid concern. I think the party needs a slightly smaller tent. In the mean time, Senators that refuse to support the party should be denied key committee appointments.
Who were the so-called ‘lefty’ bloggers invited to the White House?
Barb in MD (Daily Kos), Atrios (Eschaton), Joe Sudbay (AmericaBLOG), Oliver Willis (Oliverwillis.com), and John Amato (Crooks and Liars).