McConnell takes victory lap after two Dems help him to destroy 'progressive dream' of filibuster reform

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) on Tuesday praised Democratic Sens. Joe Manchin (WV) and Kyrsten Sinema (AZ), who have reportedly promised him that they will vote against reforming the filibuster rule.

"Yesterday, two Democratic senators confirmed that they will not provide the votes to eliminate the filibuster," McConnell said during a speech on the Senate floor.

According to McConnell, Manchin had given him a "guarantee" that the filibuster will remain in place. And Sinema, who personally spoke to McConnell, said that she is "not open to changing her mind."

McConnell criticized Schumer for allowing the Democratic caucus to entertain the idea of reforming the filibuster rule.

"Rather than rely on the Democratic leader, I took the discussion directly to his members," the Kentucky Republican bragged. "Basic arithmetic now ensures that there are not enough votes to break the rule."

McConnell went on to defend his own decision to eliminate the filibuster rule on judicial nominations, calling it a "longstanding norm."

"Legislation is very different," he insisted.

McConnell argued that he had "endured many tweets" from President Donald Trump pressing him to end the filibuster rule.

"Taking that plunge would not be a progressive's dream. It would be a nightmare. I guarantee it," he concluded.

Watch the video below from C-SPAN.