Filibustered: When Debate Damages Democracy
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Filibustered: When Debate Damages Democracy
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About this listen
In this episode of American Angst, political philosopher Michael Bailey offers a clear, engaging, and deeply informed exploration of the filibuster—what it is, how it has evolved, and why its modern use may be undermining democratic governance in the United States. Moving beyond the familiar image of marathon speeches, Bailey explains how today’s “silent filibuster” functions as a routine tool of obstruction, effectively requiring a supermajority for most legislation and raising serious questions about accountability, majority rule, and the balance of power. Drawing on constitutional principles, historical context, and contemporary political realities, he challenges the common defenses of the filibuster—particularly the idea that it protects minority rights—while arguing that it often suppresses deliberation rather than promoting it. Host Dale McConkey provides light humor and conversational flow.
The views expressed on American Angst are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.