The same could be said for the filibuster. Democrats have come to hate the 60-vote threshold that Republicans have routinely used to obstruct legislation. According to the Brennan Center, about half of the filibusters used in the past
century came in the past 12 years.
This has compelled Democrats to support creating carve-outs for voting rights or, as Harris discussed, to
codify abortion rights after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade. Sinema famously put the kibosh on the former and Manchin on the latter.
But two weeks ago, Republicans clobbered Democrats and not only flipped Manchin’s seat, but also seats in Ohio and Montana. Pennsylvania’s tight Senate race triggered a recount, but if Republican Dave McCormick wins, that will give Republicans 53 seats.