I think this illustrates why it isn't optional, the filibuster absolutely must go. [View all]

[Statistical]

Senate Democrats' largely symbolic bid to cut off the Trump administration's support for a Supreme Court challenge to Obamacare failed as expected Thursday, but several Republicans facing tough reelections crossed party lines to back the measure.

Sens. Martha McSally of Arizona, Susan Collins of Maine, Cory Gardner of Colorado, Joni Ernst of Iowa and Dan Sullivan of Alaska, who are trying to reassure voters about their defense of insurance protections for preexisting conditions, backed the Democrats' measure. Another Republican, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, who opposed Obamacare repeal efforts three years ago, also supported the bill.

But the bill fell 51-43, short of the 60 votes needed to advance.

https://www.politico.com/news/2020/10/01/vulnerable-republicans-obamacare-424585

Even with 5 Republicans breaking ranks (because they are scared shitless) it is still 9 votes short of the cloture vote. This was largely symbolic and about protecting existing ACA not any expansion, not a public option, not any other more progressive legislation. Any more progressive will have zero support from the other side and may result in a few Democratic defections.

If the Democrats take the Senate but the cloture vote rule (filibuster) remains intact then zero absolutely zero progressive legislation will pass the Senate. There just aren't 60 Senators who will vote in favor of progressive legislation.