RE: Filibusters. It's not like "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" anymore.

[AlinPA]

(From Wikipedia)
In the modern filibuster, the senators trying to block a vote do not have to hold the floor and continue to speak as long as there is a quorum. In the past, when one senator became exhausted, another would need to take over to continue the filibuster. Ultimately, the filibuster could be exhausted by a majority who would even sleep in cots outside the Senate Chamber to exhaust the filibusterers. Today, the minority just advises the majority leader that the filibuster is on. All debate on the bill is stopped until either cloture is voted by three-fifths (now 60 votes) of the Senate. Some modern Senate critics have called for a return to the old dramatic endurance contest but that would inconvenience all senators who would have to stay in session 24/7 until the filibuster is broken.

[earthside]

1. Tisk. Tisk.

Some modern Senate critics have called for a return to the old dramatic endurance contest but that would inconvenience all senators who would have to stay in session 24/7 until the filibuster is broken.

Like 45 million Americans without health care insurance is not an inconvenience?

Use the nuclear option and kill the filibuster, or get it on with the obstructionists and make them talk.

That ... or get ready to be the Senate minority in 2011, Democrats.