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Manchin Comments On Filibuster Announcement By Kamala
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Manchin Comments On Filibuster Announcement By Kamala

In the final stretch of this election season, a few key issues have dominated the conversation. On the Republican side, immigration is a central theme, while Democrats, led by Kamala Harris, have leaned heavily on abortion rights. Now, with Election Day fast approaching, Harris is making some last-minute moves that suggest the pressure is mounting.

Just yesterday, there was talk of Harris potentially visiting the border this Friday. If that happens, it's a clear signal that Republicans' focus on immigration is hitting a nerve. A visit to the border, especially at this stage, would be seen as a photo op, an attempt to blunt GOP criticisms of Harris' immigration policies and the administration's handling of the border crisis.

Today, Harris pivoted back to a more comfortable talking point for her campaign: abortion. In a local radio interview with WPR's Wisconsin Today, Harris took a bold stance, saying she supports ending the filibuster to restore Roe v. Wade and protect abortion rights nationwide. “I think we should eliminate the filibuster for Roe,” Harris stated, arguing that it would allow for the return of legal protections for reproductive rights.

This isn't the first time Harris has voiced support for eliminating the filibuster, but it’s significant for a few reasons. First, Harris’ position on the filibuster has shifted over time. As a senator, she was against ending it, but as the political climate evolved, so did her stance. Now, she's framing it as essential to safeguarding abortion rights—an issue that resonates deeply with Democratic voters, particularly in key swing states like Wisconsin, where this interview took place.

Second, Harris chose to deliver this message in a relatively low-profile radio interview rather than a high-visibility national television appearance. This plays into her strengths, as Harris has sometimes struggled in unscripted, live settings. A controlled radio interview allows her to stick to prepared talking points without the pressure of thinking on her feet.

But here’s the real kicker: while Harris is talking tough on the filibuster, the likelihood of this happening anytime soon is slim. The Democrats are in a tough spot as it is, with control of the Senate hanging by a thread. Even if Harris wins the presidency, without a strong Democratic majority in the Senate, ending the filibuster for abortion rights is little more than a political pipe dream. In fact, Montana Senator Jon Tester, one of the most vulnerable Democrats, has already spoken out against Harris’ proposal, advocating instead for a "talking filibuster."

Despite these challenges, Harris’ comments are clearly aimed at energizing her base. By throwing abortion rights back into the spotlight, Harris is hoping to make it a defining issue in the final days of the campaign. Whether or not the filibuster will actually be eliminated is almost beside the point. The immediate goal is to rally support, especially in swing states like Wisconsin, where voters could make or break her chances.

Meanwhile, her border visit and talk of immigration appear to be reactionary moves, aimed at shoring up her perceived weaknesses on the issue. If she heads to the border, it will likely be a calculated attempt to neutralize Republican attacks. But whether these late-game moves can sway voters remains to be seen.

Written by Arthur Higgens - September 25, 2024