What’s A Filibuster? | Ron's Office Hours | NPR

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Published 2017-05-19
From “nuclear weapon” to “six-shooter”: The filibuster used to be a rare and powerful tool. But as rules changed to require fewer votes to shut one down, senators brought it out as a regular threat. NPR’s senior political editor, Ron Elving, explains what the filibuster is and its history.

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All Comments (15)
  • @always-ask-why
    Horrible explanation. Doesn't even mention how filibuster used to actually require someone to physically talk for the entire time versus now they just click a button say "... in filibuster mode".
  • @justinelhillow
    As someone who isn't American I still don't know what a filibuster is... this video was not helpful What the hell is a filibuster?!....
  • @hookalakah
    "In 2012 I warned against getting rid of the filibuster. Harry Reid made a disastrous mistake by modifying the once sacrosanct filibuster rule. After Reid violated the principle, it was easy for Mitch McConnell to extend to Supreme Court nominees." --Ted Lieu, 6/27/18 "Thanks for making the judicial appointment process so much easier, Harry. We're going to take full advantage of it." --Mitch McConnell
  • @Kingjackass73
    Thees need to be more normal of a thing Ron, there great. Also missed you on the NPR Politics podcast. ya'll the best and keep up the good work!
  • @kirklpastre
    What kind of map is on the right? Looks like some sort of elevation map? Really cool!
  • @tnekkc
    What? A comments section with NPR? I thought NPR never tolerates comments.
  • @jables3377
    If a senator filibusters, and the senate never gets 60 votes to invoke cloture and stop debate....what happens? Is that the end of the Senate as we know it? Are there ANY other ways debate can stopped and brought to a vote?
  • @isadormoti6977
    Thanks Ron, for not explaining what a filibuster is. Don't worry everybody else who is explaining what a filibuster is IS NOT explaining what a filibuster is. So, is there a deadline on legislative votes and the longwinded senator rambles on past the deadline???. Is that how legislation is killed??? Why don't senators just wait him out and vote after filibustering senator passes out or whatever???!!! There's just something that's not being explained. I mean, how... NEVERMIND !!!!
  • @NDAGR-
    Do really need more talking? That’s all y’all do