The Obama Years: What Could Have Been

Zach Toillion
Nov 1 · 4 min read

In 2009, Obama had the rare modern historical incidence of having a filibuster proof majority with 60 votes for a few short months. Keeping his caucus in line, he could have quickly passed several massive priorities. If worse came to worse, he could attempt to pass most of these measures through the 50 vote reconciliation process. Among the programs he could have passed during this time:

-Pass card check, which would have strengthened unions

-Pass Cap and Trade (a move with 60% public support)

Keep the story going. Sign up for an extra free read.

You've completed your member preview for this month, but when you sign up for a free Medium account, you get one more story.
Already have an account? Sign in

Zach Toillion

Written by

Libertarian Socialist who writes about politics, economics, philosophy religion & history. Author of books, writer of a weekly news column for TN Star Journal

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade