politics

thomas

As a non-American, I don’t quite get the fascination for filibustering.

Yes, some guy (doesn’t matter which side of the aisle he’s from — this cast is apolitical) stood talking for 25 hours and five minutes. Yes, he beat the previous record by 47 minutes. No, he did not go to the bathroom, nor did he eat nor drink. The media are celebrating this as a “physical and mental feat that required stamina and willpower”, as if this was the Olympics.

Except that it’s not a sport, it’s just a performative stunt that further trivializes politics and turns them into a farce, at a time when we need adults in the room more than ever.

No wonder the electorate feels disconnected and numb.

Yes the filibuster is an odd relic in the Senate (and only the Senate). It’s usually done — or threatened— as a tactic to prevent a bill from coming to a vote (prevent a cloture vote specifically). If you hold the floor, the vote can’t be called & it can be a last minute persuasion device as well. 

Sen Booker’s was more of a peaceful protest so not the usual filibuster. Although some may see it as performative, for some it may be persuasive in driving attention to his concerns over the erosion of democracy. 

We’re talking about it so… it seemed to work.

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