Image Credit: BILL CLARK/POOL/AFP via Getty Images 
Democrats were served a resounding defeat Wednesday night, with efforts to change filibuster rules shot down in flames with the help of members from their own party.
Joe Biden’s attempt to alter the filibuster to allow voting rights bills to pass by a simple majority fails 48-52 as two Democrats, Manchin and Sinema, refuse to support the changes, dealing Joe Biden yet another defeat in Congress.
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) January 20, 2022
The so-called voting rights package, a thinly-veiled attempt to federalize elections, died in a 52-48 Senate vote, as Democrat Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) crossed the aisle to oppose the bill.
CNN has a breakdown of how the bill would have eliminated the filibuster’s 60-vote threshold:
The proposed rules change — to allow for a “talking filibuster” on the legislation — would have forced lawmakers who want to filibuster the bill to come to the Senate floor and speak in opposition. Once those speeches come to an end, the Senate would be able to hold a simple majority vote for final passage. The move would effectively eliminate the 60-vote threshold set by the filibuster.
Following the bill’s failure, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) celebrated, saying, “This radicalism will have been stopped. It is a good day for America.”
Meanwhile, Sen. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) feigned incredulity at the bill’s rejection, blaming Republicans for blocking bills “that protect the right to vote.”
“Nice Try, Schumer!” pic.twitter.com/GOoF9IxAM8
— The Columbia Bugle
(@ColumbiaBugle) January 20, 2022
Of course, many more may have sided with the Democrat senator had video not surfaced of him in 2005 claiming that eliminating the filibuster would be a “doomsday for Democracy” and an “abuse of power.”
In 2005, Democrat Chuck Schumer said eliminating the filibuster would “be a doomsday for Democracy.”pic.twitter.com/SInO8p9bSd
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) January 20, 2022
In May 2005, Democrat Senator Chuck Schumer called eliminating the filibuster an “abuse of power,” defending it as a tool to promote bipartisanship and give voice to the minority party. pic.twitter.com/G9f5eBz5FP
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) January 11, 2022
In 2017, Schumer also called to “protect” the filibuster rule:
In April 2017, Democrat Senator Chuck Schumer said he wanted to “protect” the filibuster because “the Senate becomes a majoritarian institution” without it. pic.twitter.com/1RaMf0JpQ5
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) January 11, 2022
Schumer’s sentiments on the bill’s failure were echoed by Joe Biden, who claimed he was “disappointed” the “Senate has failed to stand up for democracy.”
I am profoundly disappointed that the Senate has failed to stand up for our democracy. I am disappointed — but I am not deterred.
We will continue to advance necessary legislation and push for Senate procedural changes that will protect the fundamental right to vote.
— President Biden (@POTUS) January 20, 2022
BREAKING: Manchin & Sinema officially thwart Democrats’ push to change filibuster rules to pass voting laws.
Biden says he is “disappointed” and VP Harris will “continue to lead this effort.” pic.twitter.com/UIkov9WW7y
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) January 20, 2022
However, in the past Biden has also warned against ending the filibuster:
In 2005, Biden warned against ending the filibuster:
“[Republicans] may own the field right now, but you won’t own it forever. And I pray God when the Democrats take back control, we don’t make the kind of naked power grab you are doing.” pic.twitter.com/rq4oaDOCVY
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) January 12, 2022
Biden was questioned on his feelings toward fellow Democrats Manchin and Sinema during a rare press conference Wednesday, where he pushed back against assertions that he claimed the two senators would be on the side of Democrat white supremacist Bull Connor if they voted against their party.
Biden explodes on reporter asking about how he can unite the country while calling everyone racist: “Look, what I said, go back and read what I said!” pic.twitter.com/7vIHb2oQdo
— Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) January 19, 2022
Despite claiming he did not make the comparison, he actually did, as evidenced by a White House transcript.
Here’s what Biden actually said.
Yes, he compared those who oppose them to Bull Connor. pic.twitter.com/Z4qCQMyUR6
— Matt Mackowiak (@MattMackowiak) January 19, 2022
With the Build Back Better bill, the $1.7 trillion spending bill, and the vaccine mandate going down in flames, the bill’s blockage represents yet another crushing defeat for the Biden administration and their radical agenda.