Editors’ Blog - 2013
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11.21.13 | 12:55 pm
Whaddya Think?

What’s your reaction to the filibuster changes pushed through by Senate Democrats?

About time? Beware what you wish for? More democracy all around? Other thoughts?

Email us at the tip line at the top of this page.

11.21.13 | 1:16 pm
Is That A Threat?

McCain: Democrats will “pay a heavy, heavy price” for what the just did.

11.21.13 | 1:20 pm
Permanent Damage

Three Democratic senators voted with Republicans in opposing the filibuster rules change: Sens. Carl Levin (D-MI), Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Mark Pryor (D-AR).

Pryor, who is in a closely watched race for re-election in 2014, warned after the vote that the change “could permanently damage the Senate.”

11.21.13 | 1:25 pm
‘Radicals And Anti-Institutionalists’

Norm Ornstein puts the blame for today’s filibuster confrontation on the “radicals and anti-institutionalists” who now dominate the GOP. Interesting point, too, on McConnell really wanting this to happen

11.21.13 | 1:50 pm
Watch Obama Live

Obama will speak momentarily on the Senate filibuster change. Watch.

11.21.13 | 2:23 pm
So Revealing

Speaking on the Senate floor shortly after the filibuster rule change was pushed through over his objections and that of all of his Republican colleagues, Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) was explicit: When Republicans control the White House and Senate, they will change the Senate rules to eliminate the filibuster for the Supreme Court, too.

It’s the GOP warning that there will be hell to pay — “a heavy, heavy price,” in John McCain’s words — when they are in the majority. Abortion, civil rights, environmental laws. We’ll hit you where it hurts.

Read More

11.21.13 | 2:41 pm
And Now This

This scandal in Utah has been simmering for months. Now it looks like it’s going to bring down Republican Attorney General John Swallow. Local newspapers are reporting he is expected to resign before the week’s end.

11.21.13 | 4:41 pm
Why Fear Grassley’s Threat?

As we reported earlier, Sen. Chuck Grassley was on the Senate floor shortly after the rules change today promising that when Republicans are in the Senate majority, they will change the filibuster rules for Supreme Court nominees.

TPM Reader LF wonders how that’s any threat at all:

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11.21.13 | 5:14 pm
He’s Done

We’ll have more soon on what turned out to be a pretty defiant press conference. In the meantime, here’s the breaking news: Utah’s Republican attorney general has announced his resignation, citing the scandal that has plagued him for months.

11.21.13 | 6:00 pm
This Is The One

There were a lot of great moments during Utah Attorney General John Swallow’s (R) announcement that he was resigning amid scandal, but the first quote in this story really was the best.