The Daily A Last-Gasp Push on Voting Rights
Jan 19, 2022
Astead W. Herndon, a national political reporter for The New York Times, dives into the critical state of voting rights legislation. He shares insights on the near impossibility of passing pivotal bills like the Freedom to Vote Act. Herndon discusses the frustrations from activists over the Biden administration's delayed action and the role of the Senate filibuster. Key political ramifications for democracy are explored, emphasizing the urgent need to confront voter suppression as the midterms approach.
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Initial Focus on Voting Rights
- Biden's campaign prioritized voting rights alongside other key issues like COVID relief and social spending.
- This focus intensified due to Trump's election fraud claims, January 6th, and Republican state legislatures' restrictive voting laws.
Shifting Priorities
- Despite initial emphasis, voting rights became a secondary concern during Biden's first year due to the administration's focus on COVID relief and the Build Back Better social spending package.
- The White House's strategy was to tackle these urgent crises first, hoping to address voting rights as a capstone achievement.
Manchin's Opposition
- Joe Manchin's appearance on Fox News signaled his firm opposition to the Build Back Better Act, creating a major setback for the White House.
- This public declaration of dissent further fractured the Democratic party, making it more challenging to achieve a unified agenda.