Online Public Relations Thoughts

Democratic Senators Joe Manchin and Krysten Sinema have dug into their opposition to changing the filibuster rule so voting reform bills can pass.  President Biden left a meeting with them empty-handed yesterday.  There is no possibility of getting laws enacted given the narrow margin in the Senate with a 50-50 split and Republicans united in opposition.  The only thing left for the President to do is to get tough and to use persuasive techniques bordering on strong-arming.  Even that might not be enough.  Once again, the situation is an example of the limits of communication and persuasion.  If listeners refuse to be open-minded, there is no chance of convincing them.  Both senators are in opposition on the basis of principle.  Little can change that.  Biden will be without voting reform as a result.