The filibuster could derail Joe Biden’s agenda. The Democrats could go ‘nuclear’ to stop it

You’ve (probably) all seen how the musical ends.

Vice-President Aaron Burr shoots and kills Alexander Hamilton in a duel. There’s a heart-wrenching final song about Hamilton’s legacy in Washington.

Burr creates a confusing Senate procedure responsible for 200 years of partisan gridlock. The curtain closes.

If that last bit doesn’t sound right, don’t worry.

The Senate procedure known as the filibuster was inspired by Burr, but Hamilton isn’t the only piece of commentary that glosses over the rule.

Today, it’s an essential — and often misunderstood — aspect of the US legislative process. It’s also been the subject of intense debate in Washington since President Joe Biden took office.

The filibuster was created by accident

In the most simple…