Topic: Senate Rules

MSNBC analysts suggest the Democratic strategy is to delay the Kavanaugh nomination until after the midterms, hoping to win the Senate and block any Trump appointee for two years. Senator Mazie Hirono is cited as a proponent of this approach. The hosts discuss Judge Amy Coney Barrett as a potential alternative nominee who might further energize the Republican base.

A procedural debate continues regarding the "nuclear option," a workaround that would allow the Senate to bypass the 60-vote cloture requirement with a simple majority. While the method was used in 2013 and 2017 for judicial and executive nominations, its application to general legislation remains a point of political friction. Proponents suggest this could end the government shutdown, while opponents fear the long-term impact on minority party power.

The discussion explores the "Bill of Attainder" issues and the lack of a statute of limitations in the current impeachment framework. A historical parallel is drawn to the 2008 Democratic-controlled Congress, where Republicans allegedly had their microphones cut and meetings adjourned abruptly, suggesting a long-standing pattern of partisan aggression in the House and Senate.

A clip of Nancy Pelosi features her defending the decision to hold the articles of impeachment until the Senate trial parameters are established. The hosts note the repetitive and often incoherent nature of her public statements on the matter.

The hosts deconstruct the Senate vote on gun legislation, noting that it failed despite having a majority of 54 votes because it required 60 for cloture. They point out that several Democrats voted against the bill, and Majority Leader Harry Reid changed his vote to "No" for procedural reasons to allow the bill to be brought back later. They criticize President Obama for blaming a "minority" of Republicans for the failure.

During a recorded Senate hearing, the sound of a mobile device receiving a message is heard, prompting a discussion on the rules regarding electronic devices in the chamber. The hosts note the hypocrisy of senators using smartphones to surf the web or communicate during official proceedings despite bans on such technology.

MSNBC host Lawrence O'Donnell suggested changing presidential debate rules to allow staff members to sit next to candidates and hand them documents. The hosts mock this proposal as a way to effectively provide candidates with teleprompters or hidden transmitters.