Peter Cohen
Well, if nothing else, Cory Booker beat Strom Thurmond's record for the longest filibuster in Senate history.
With, probably, about as much lasting impact.
Thurmond, despite his best efforts, couldn't stop tje Civil Rights Act from being passed into law - literally two hours after he gave up the dais.
Sadly, Booker's filibuster will probably have about the same lasting effect.
Warner Crocker
@flargh It's a spark. The question becomes, will enough folks who matter help it continue burning?
Peter Cohen
@WarnerCrocker It's performative nonsense that changes absolutely nothing legislatively. A complete waste of taxpayers' time. But sure. Great theater.
Warner Crocker
@flargh I'll disagree if it yields nothing beyond the moment and agree if it does not.
Sure it's performative. The entire existence of our political system is performance based.
As for taxpayer's time, I'm old fashioned. I'd rather see the filibuster require senators hold the floor instead of the rules they've evolved into. If you're going to fight for or against something do something beyond filing a slip and heading out to play golf or make fundraising calls.
Peter Cohen
@WarnerCrocker On the scale of performance, I'll say this: I think there's some balance to a gentleman of color setting a filibustering record to advocate for democracy, as opposed to a racist stubbornly clinging to a failed worldview.
Chancerubbage
Wasn’t there a situation in the past where a filibuster actually delayed a vote? Not sure if it does or can serve the same purpose now.
That is possibly more than merely performative.
Also, there is a chance someone needed to see or hear this that may not have otherwise.
Warner Crocker
@Chancerubbage @flargh Sorta, kinda. There was a hold on advancing promotions for generals. The Senate has rewritten these rules so many times over the years that it is tough to keep up.
Yes, a filibuster can delay a vote, but only delay it. The original rule was designed with biological necessities being the limiting factor. But we don't really play by those rules any more.
https://www.senate.gov/about/powers-procedures/filibusters-cloture/overview.htm
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