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Paul Mccrary's avatar

LBJ got the original VRA through when it was less popular among the white population

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JF's avatar

I can’t recall if the Senate was slowed down by the filibuster back in LBJ’s administration. It seems fairly recent that Congress has hobbled itself, to the point of doing little of consequence. Maybe that’s a safeguard, given the perverse “quality” of our congressional members.

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suzc's avatar

LBJ knew where all the bodies were buried in Congress and he could strong-arm them and he did! Very effectively. Today's weak as water politicians make me crazy. 'Play nice" is not for politics.

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JF's avatar

Republicans have absorbed that message, that “play nice” is for wimps - in other words, Democrats.

At least LBJ was a hit man on our side (mostly).

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Lynn Van Haren's avatar

It was old Mitch McConnell that started using the filibuster as a weapon to block any & all progressive legislation

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max skinner's avatar

He had the votes in the Senate to get it done. My poly sci professor said LBJ was a master at pork barrel projects and making deals...a talent honed while he was in the US Senate.

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Kate Fall's avatar

But more popular with actual legislators. The GOP has changed a tad since then.

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Bkyn mom's avatar

1. How much was that due to the marches, assissations etc. and other pressure do you think? and 2. Given how it's been gutted i wonder if those who weren't for it, where just biding there time....vote for it then to appease and then start the works to undermine when the pressure is off

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