The filibuster seems to have worked against the Democrats both when in the minority, by causing them to be accused of being obstructionist, and now while they are in the majority, because they don't want to seem like, um... like obstructionists?
The Democratic leadership should make the Republicans follow through on each and every filibuster. Let them talk. Let them defend their positions. Let their forced continuation of discussion make the news. Not as a stunt, as an agreement to the Minorities exerted will to continue discussion. Their request is legitimate and their is no reason to move on to the next topic just because they threaten to continue debate. So let them talk, every time they vote to not close debate.
If I understand correctly, the minority must sustain the discussion and if they cannot, then the vote proceeds. If it appears they have run out of breath, vote for cloture. If it again fails to close discussion, then they should feel free to keep talking, but leave it up to them sustain it. I can’t find anything that holds the Democrats to having to participate in the debate itself at all.
From Wikipedia:
As a form of obstructionism in a legislature or other decision making body, a filibuster is an attempt to extend debate upon a proposal in order to delay or completely prevent a vote on its passage. The term first came into use in the United States Senate, where Senate rules permit a senator, or a series of senators, to speak for as long as they wish and on any topic they choose, unless a supermajority group of 60% of senators brings debate to a close by invoking cloture.
This seems to me to be the biggest mistake that the Majority is making and the easiest to remedy. We are allowing them to obstruct through threat without ever requiring them to follow through.
Let them talk. Let them talk as long and about whatever they want, just as the procedure provides for.
Make them follow through and draw the attention to themselves. Over and over again. If other bills or actions are being delayed because the Republicans actually do continue their discussion, that is what the Democrats should be bringing to light when they are being interviewed. "We would like to move on to bill x, y and z, but the Minority has chosen to invoke this procedure and we are respecting their decision. When they have decided that they have had their fair say and that we can proceed with the simple majority vote on Bill A, we will move forward. Until then, the Republican party has the floor as is required by their choice to filibuster."
Stop allowing them to drive a 60 vote requirement into the public consciousness. I bet that with as many times as this has happened of late that if a poll was taken asking what the requirements are for a vote to pass the Senate, some percentage would now believe that it is a 60 vote majority.
Senate Majority leaders. Make them follow through. Let them talk.
Please.