Tom Harkin actually said...

The reason 51 is profound is because of the structure of our whole government.

At the beginning of the next Congress, I will move for the Senate to end debate and adopt its rules by a simple majority.

the full exploitation of the rules is a long-term condition of the Senate and that it is time to consider a proposal like Senator Harkin's.

A super majority requirement for all legislation and nominees would, as Alexander Hamilton explained, mean that a small minority could destr...