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What does Graham's death and McConnell's absence mean for the Democratic agenda in the Senate? (Original Post) wcmagumba Yesterday OP
It's a huge opportunity for sure. TheProle Yesterday #1
They will be replaced by more horrible people, if that's possible. dem4decades Yesterday #2
Not sure that is possible but the Thugs will find a way, in the meantime let's pass some Dem priorities... wcmagumba Yesterday #3
Could be but, remember, the Rs have Fetterman. lamp_shade Yesterday #4
"It's got to be helpful for them" J_William_Ryan Yesterday #5
Next to nothing. onenote Yesterday #6
Right now, that's effectively 49-47... appmanga Yesterday #9
How do you come up with 49-47? onenote Yesterday #10
Used your number in your post... appmanga Yesterday #12
The Senate only has around 30 "legislative" days when they are in session before the election. onenote Yesterday #13
Two court packers going at the same time. GoodRaisin Yesterday #7
Two less assholes to deal with Blue Owl Yesterday #8
Ask again after the November election. MineralMan Yesterday #11

wcmagumba

(7,156 posts)
3. Not sure that is possible but the Thugs will find a way, in the meantime let's pass some Dem priorities...
Sun Jul 12, 2026, 02:28 PM
Yesterday

J_William_Ryan

(3,715 posts)
5. "It's got to be helpful for them"
Sun Jul 12, 2026, 03:00 PM
Yesterday

Nope.

Two hard-core red states – both will be replaced by Republicans.

onenote

(46,517 posts)
6. Next to nothing.
Sun Jul 12, 2026, 03:15 PM
Yesterday

Repubs still control the Senate, 51-47. They set the agenda, decide whether a bill moves. There have been very few bills passed this Congress where the outcome would have been different without Graham and McConnell available to vote.

appmanga

(1,609 posts)
9. Right now, that's effectively 49-47...
Sun Jul 12, 2026, 04:40 PM
Yesterday

...and while Graham could be quickly replaced, I would think it wouldn't happen that quickly in a state with an outgoing governor with something this big to leverage.

onenote

(46,517 posts)
10. How do you come up with 49-47?
Sun Jul 12, 2026, 04:44 PM
Yesterday

There were 53 repubs and 47 Democrats, including the two independents that vote with the Democrats. Without McConnell and Graham, its 51-47 Fetterman actually is an unreliable vote for the Democrats, so one could argue that it's closer to 52-46. And while some claim that Cornyn and Cassidy aren't reliable votes for the republicans, there is no evidence that they will start supporting Democrats or Democratic positions.

appmanga

(1,609 posts)
12. Used your number in your post...
Sun Jul 12, 2026, 04:56 PM
Yesterday

...but I see you've clarified that. In any case, this Senate isn't going to be doing much for the next few months.

onenote

(46,517 posts)
13. The Senate only has around 30 "legislative" days when they are in session before the election.
Sun Jul 12, 2026, 05:23 PM
Yesterday

But they have 22 more after the election and can do a lot of damage in that lame duck session.

MineralMan

(152,181 posts)
11. Ask again after the November election.
Sun Jul 12, 2026, 04:51 PM
Yesterday

For now, though, it's irrelevant. Get to work flipping seats in your own state. That's what matters.

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