The Hill's Morning Report: Biden takes it on the chin | TheHill

The honest to God answer is I don’t know if we can get this done,” Biden told reporters while exiting a Senate Democratic luncheon, delivering a similar line three times before finally departing the Capitol (The Hill).Roughly an hour before Biden delivered a plea to Senate Democrats, it was Sinema who put to rest any speculation that Democrats will be able to move on the pair of packages that would overhaul American elections. At one point during the 90-minute meeting, Manchin asked Biden if the late Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.) ever broke Senate rules to change them, to which Biden responded: “We are in different times now.”Hours later, Manchin himself followed Sinema’s lead and issued a statement citing Byrd, vowing that he will not “vote to eliminate or weaken the filibuster,” putting the cherry on the rank-tasting sundae for Biden (The Hill). The White House called their discussion “a candid and respectful exchange of views about voting rights." Alexander Bolton, The Hill: Sinema, Manchin curb Biden's agenda.Carl Hulse, The New York Times: Sinema rejects changing filibuster, dealing Biden a setback.The Hill: Democrats' filibuster gambit unravels. Adding to the complications, Sen. Brian SchatzBrian Emanuel SchatzOvernight Energy & Environment — Manchin raises hopes on climate spending The Hill's 12:30 Report: Snow day in DC Biden, lawmakers mourn Harry Reid MORE (D-Hawaii) tested positive for COVID-19, putting Democrats one vote down until Sunday at least.Peggy Noonan, The Wall Street Journal: Biden’s Georgia speech is a break point. As The Hill’s Niall Stanage writes in his latest Memo, Thursday’s one-two punch of the voting rights effort going down and the Supreme Court’s decision striking down the White House’s vaccine directive for large employers compounds issues for Biden. The Washington Post: Senate rejects Sen. Ted CruzRafael (Ted) Edward CruzSinema scuttles hopes for filibuster reform Holmes Norton: Cruz effort to block DC student vaccine mandate 'crosses the line' The Hill's Morning Report - For Biden, it goes from bad to worse MORE’s (R-Texas) bill to impose sanctions over Russian pipeline project. Anthony FauciAnthony FauciThe Hill's 12:30 Report: Biden strategizes with Senate Dems Scientists, medical professionals defend Fauci after heated exchanges with Republicans Doctors call out Spotify over 'false and societally harmful assertions' on Joe Rogan show MORE, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said Thursday it remains an open question because even if humans get vaccine doses every year or two, the shots need to be effective against the ever-mutating coronavirus. Proof of a second dose will be required in the nation’s capital beginning Feb. 15, Mayor Muriel BowserMuriel BowserOhio Republican sparks condemnation for comparing DC vaccine mandate to Nazi Germany The Hill's Morning Report - Biden champions filibuster reform, but doesn't have the votes Conservatives push for boycott of GOP club over DC vaccine mandate MORE (D) has ordered. The Hill: Fox News’ Tucker CarlsonTucker CarlsonGlenn Beck says he has COVID-19 for second time Fox News tops ratings for coverage on Jan. 6 anniversary events The Hill's 12:30 Report: Biden comes out swinging in 2022 MORE extends his GOP influence.Axios: Former President TrumpDonald TrumpGallego on Jan. 6 rioters: 'F--- them' Psaki: Why is GOP afraid of presidential debates? The Hill: Rep. Ruben GallegoRuben GallegoGallego on Jan. 6 rioters: 'F--- them' Pressures aligning on Biden, Democrats to forgive student loans Overnight Defense & National Security — Nation marks 1 year since Capitol riot MORE (D-Ariz.) said it is “past time” Sinema and the Senate protect voting rights. ➜ JUSTICE: California Gov. Gavin NewsomGavin NewsomWhy California needs a Latino state supreme court justice The Hill's Morning Report - Biden champions filibuster reform, but doesn't have the votes Equilibrium/Sustainability — NASA hires climate scientist for key new role MORE (D) on Thursday denied parole to Sirhan Sirhan, 71, who assassinated Robert F. MarshallScientists, medical professionals defend Fauci after heated exchanges with Republicans The Hill's Morning Report - For Biden, it goes from bad to worse Fauci says it's 'stunning' that senator doesn't know his financial records are public after calling Republican a moron MORE (R-Kan.) as a “moron” during a committee hearing.