Thune Calls Out Democrats’ Democracy Hypocrisy

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WASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about Democrats' tendency to delegitimize American institutions when they interfere with Democrats' agenda. Thune noted that Democrats only advocate for abolishing the filibuster when they have power, and he reaffirmed that the Republican majority will continue to preserve minority party rights, regardless of which party is in control.

Thune's remarks below (as delivered):

"Mr. President, a Democrat congresswoman said the quiet part out loud the other day when she admitted that while she would have supported the abolishment of the filibuster if Democrats had won full control of Washington, she did not support abolishing the filibuster now that Republicans have gained control.

"This is her quote: […] 'Am I championing getting rid of the filibuster now, when the Senate has the trifecta?' She answered, and I quote again, 'No. But had we had the trifecta, I would've been because we have to show that government can deliver.'

"Let me repeat that, Mr. President.

"'… had we had the trifecta, I would've been' supportive of abolishing, getting rid of, the filibuster.

"In other words, one rule for Democrats, and one rule for everybody else.

"Democrats should be able to do whatever they want; Republicans, not so much.

"Mr. President, I happen to agree with the congresswoman about preserving the filibuster.

"This essential tool encourages compromise and helps ensure that all Americans, not just those whose party is in the majority, have a voice in legislation.

"The difference between me and the congresswoman is that I believe that the rules should apply all the time.

"I don't think there should be special rules for Republicans - or, as the congresswoman believes, for Democrats.

"Mr. President, the congresswoman was perhaps more frank than some Democrats in admitting out loud that she thinks the rules shouldn't apply to Democrats.

"But her attitude is hardly new.

"If there's one thing we've learned over the last few years, it's that Democrats firmly believe that the only legitimate government is a Democrat government.

"Take Democrats' campaign to undermine the legitimacy of the Supreme Court.

"Let the court issue any decision Democrats don't like, and these days you can be confident you will hear some Democrat decrying not just the court's decision, but the court's legitimacy.

"Never mind the fact that this court, like others before it, is composed of nine justices duly nominated and confirmed in accordance with the Constitution.

"Or that so-called liberal justices and so-called conservative justices vote together a substantial percentage of the time.

"This court sometimes issues decisions Democrats don't like, and therefore, in their view, the court is somehow illegitimate.

"Mr. President, I find it ironic that a party that has spent a fair amount of time this election cycle talking about the importance of preserving our democracy seems intent on embracing the thoroughly undemocratic notion that only one party should be making the decisions in this country.

"Well, I hate to tell Democrats, but that's not how it really works.

"And the idea that one party should have a lock on power - and the courts - is usually associated with forms of government that go by less pleasant names than democracy.

"I'm also always struck by the elitism that goes with Democrats' attitude.

"It's no secret that a lot of people on the left despise individuals who voted for President Trump.

"Words like racist, sexist, and misogynistic get thrown around to describe voters who were simply tired of Democrats' failed economic policies, or who were worried about the crisis at our border, or who disagreed with many of the Democrats' radical social policies.

"And Democrats' apparent belief that it's the Democrat Party and the Democrat Party only that should be calling the shots in Washington betrays some of that same disdain for voters.

"Mr. President, the filibuster in the Senate is safe for now.

"And while I don't have high hopes for Democrats' changing their tune on the Supreme Court, perhaps being in the minority in this next Congress will at least remind Democrats of the importance of protecting minority rights no matter what party is in power - and ensure that the next time Democrats are in charge, they're not quite so eager to tear down this important safeguard.

"We can only hope.

"Mr. President, I yield the floor."

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