Home > News > A Majority of the Public Supports the Filibuster
94 views 3 sec 0 Comment

A Majority of the Public Supports the Filibuster

- November 18, 2009

Jon Bernstein wants new polling data on the filibuster. The new CNN poll has one question about this:

bq. As you may know, the filibuster is a Senate procedure which has been used to prevent the Senate from passing controversial legislation or confirming controversial appointments by the President, even if a majority of senators support that action. A vote of at least sixty senators out of one hundred is needed to end a filibuster. Do you favor or oppose the use of the filibuster in the U.S. Senate?

Just over half, 56%, favor the use of the filibuster, and 39% oppose it. Very few (5%) report having no opinion.

Of course, one poll with one question wording is hardly dispositive. I agree with Jon that we need more.