Ok, I’ve heard enough of the whining about @chuckschumer “negotiating” with the GOP instead of just passing a plan. There is so much ignorance going around, and misguided hysteria. I’ve been a Schumer critic, but let’s indulge reality a minute?

Fact 1- The current Senate is operating under the rules passed at the beginning of this session. They require 60 votes for passage, as is. They give broad latitude and power of the floor to the Majority Leader, as is. The Senate would have to vote to replace these rules.

Fact 2- The Democrats will eventually have the rules package they want. With @VP as the tie breaking vote, they can probably even get rid of the filibuster, or at least the 60 vote filibuster.

Fact 3- There is precedent for a power sharing agreement in 50/50 Senates. Trent Lott negotiated one with Tom Daschle in 2001. This is a norm, and we’ve spent 4 years praising norms. We should at least try to be consistent. If it fails, then you act.

Fact 4- We have not heard Chuck Schumer say he’s letting them keep the 60 vote requirement. We heard McConnell say he wants. We also still don’t have a deal. Do what you will with that, but it’s suggestive that Chuck probably disagrees with Mitch, right now.

Fact 5- This is a separate question from when the impeachment trial starts, so keep that in mind when discussing this. Waiting until mid-February to start the trial is probably smart. It also has no impact on the Senate rules.

Fact 6- And I’m not putting too much stock in this yet, but the GOP has played ball on the early cabinet votes. Haines got 84 votes, Austin appears to have 70 or more, and Buttigieg appears to have bi-partisan support. Still assume the worst, but be open to pleasant surprises.

So what I’m saying here is pretty simple- what’s going on is normal order, what Joe Biden promised America. Eventually the @SenateDems will get their way if a deal isn’t reached. @chuckschumer is doing what he’s supposed to. And yeah, Trump is gone.

Everything is fine. Thanks.