The Filibuster’s Racist Roots (with Adam Jentleson)

Our America with Julián Castro

When you hear the word ‘filibuster,’ you might think of an idealistic Jimmy Stewart delivering an impassioned speech against corruption on the Senate floor in Frank Capra’s Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. But the reality of the filibuster of today – and how we got here – is anything but justice-seeking. Senate insider and author Adam Jentleson walks us through the filibuster’s racist history, its impact on if and how legislation gets passed, and what’s at stake if it isn’t eliminated or reformed, at the very least.

Keep up with Julián on twitter @JulianCastro and Instagram @JulianCastroTX.

Resources from the episode:

• Adam Jentleson’s Kill Switch: The Rise of the Modern Senate and the Crippling of American Democracy
• Learn more about the filibuster through Adam’s appearances on Fresh Air, The Ezra Klein Show, and KALW’s Your Call

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