Congress

Chart of the Day

via Steve Benen at Maddowblog

Will Harry Reid push for filibuster reform in the next session of congress?

To achieve maximum political effect, I believe the right course of action would be to push immigration reform, and if the Republicans filibuster it, then push for filibuster reform.

Reid could come right out of the gate and push for filibuster reform, but the wiser political move would be to establish a clear contrast with the GOP before doing so. Don't give the Republicans cover before they have the opportunity to show their ass.

If the Republicans refuse to compromise on the impending arrival of sequestration (the "fiscal cliff") in the current lame duck session of congress, Harry Reid could also push for filibuster reform if they refuse to agree to a new middle class tax cut to replace the Bush Tax Cuts which will have expired.

Democrats have a lot of options and the Republicans have very few.