There are three obstacles between the GOP and a total federal ban on abortion:
- Roe v. Wade;
- The Democratic majority in the House; and
- The filibuster.
The Barrett nomination makes it much more likely that the right will go for gold and completely overturn Roe, as opposed to just effectively banning abortion in red states through bogus health regulations. #2 will disappear at some point in time. That leaves the filibuster. What would Mitch do under these circumstances? Would he grab the marshmallow again and eliminate the filibuster?
On its face, it would be a violation of his principles, but as we’ve learned, he has no principles except holding and exercising power. It would probably cost the GOP in the long run, and the abortion ban would be reversed as soon as the Democrats regained control. But he would be under enormous pressure from the far right. It would be sorely tempting.
The Democrats may do the dirty work for him, and save him any angst over the issue. How would that happen? That will be the subject of my next post.