Harris Explains “This Thing Called Filibuster” and Mentions Venn Diagrams Seven Times; Hobbs Again Refuses to Debate Kari Lake

On 10/10/2022, VP Harris explained to audiences that “there’s this thing in the United States Senate called the filibuster” — as if the concept were unknown — and mentioned Venn diagrams at least seven times across multiple appearances. Arizona gubernatorial candidate Katie Hobbs again refused to debate Kari Lake, saying her “schedule is pretty much set.” A Democrat admitted that “while inflation is a worldwide phenomenon, I am open to the fact that Democrats bear some responsibility” — a rare concession. A Nevada debate featured sharp exchanges on school choice and parental rights.

”This Thing Called Filibuster”

Harris delivered a condescending explanation of the Senate filibuster. “I’m just going to state a fact. It’s not political. So there’s this thing in the United States Senate called the filibuster,” Harris said, then explained it had “been used over the years in a way that I think many of us would agree has been used to obstruct progress.”

The explanation — delivered to adults as if they had never heard the term — became another viral Harris moment alongside her “passage of time” and “significance of the significance” clips.

Seven Venn Diagrams

The video compiled Harris mentioning Venn diagrams across multiple appearances, revealing it had become her go-to analytical framework:

“I love Venn diagrams. Really love Venn diagrams. You know, the circles, right? Three usually.”
“I asked my team to do a Venn diagram on this.”
“Remember Venn diagrams? Those three circles, right? Let’s see where they overlap.”
“I have constructed a Venn diagram on this. Remember those three circles, how they overlap.”
“Whenever you’re dealing with conflict, pull out a Venn diagram, right?”
“He sees the Venn diagram of it all — he sees those circles.”
“I asked my team to do a Venn diagram for me of where we are seeing attacks.”

The repetition across different events suggested Harris had a limited repertoire of rhetorical devices.

Hobbs Won’t Debate — Again

Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, running for governor, was asked directly whether she would debate Republican Kari Lake. “At this point in the race with 30 days to go, our schedule in terms of forums is pretty much set,” Hobbs said. “I’m really happy with where we are.”

The refusal echoed the Fetterman strategy of avoiding debates — raising questions about whether candidates were hiding from scrutiny or their opponents.

When asked what she had “specifically learned from the Latino community” — one-third of Arizona’s population — Hobbs struggled. “That’s a great question. I don’t necessarily think about it that way in those terms,” she said, before mentioning her sister-in-law is Latino and she practices Spanish.

Democrat Admits Responsibility

A rare moment of candor came from a Democratic lawmaker. “Do Democrats bear some of the responsibility? You control the White House, both chambers of Congress. Why shouldn’t voters hold Democrats responsible for the economy?” a reporter asked.

“I think they do. While inflation is obviously a worldwide phenomenon, I am open to the fact that we have to make decisions here in the United States. Democrats are in power — the White House, the House, the Senate, even if it’s slim margins. So sure, I do think that there is a rightful skepticism, particularly about the last COVID package,” the lawmaker said.

Nevada Debate: Parents vs. Washington

A Nevada congressional debate featured a sharp exchange on education. Republican Sam Peters argued: “The US House of Representatives is not chartered in any way to address education in the Constitution. Bureaucrats and career politicians 3,000 miles away have no business in the classroom. The people who should control what kids are taught are the parents and the teachers. It stops there.”

His opponent deflected to abortion: “I find it fascinating that my opponent says politicians in Washington shouldn’t decide what happens in our schools. The same should be said about a woman’s freedom to make her own healthcare decisions.”

Key Takeaways

Harris explained “this thing called the filibuster” as if the concept were unknown and mentioned Venn diagrams at least seven times across appearances.
Hobbs refused to debate Kari Lake with 30 days until the election, saying her “schedule is pretty much set.”
A Democrat admitted “there is a rightful skepticism” about Democratic economic management — a rare concession of responsibility.
Hobbs struggled to articulate what she had learned from Arizona’s Latino community, one-third of the state.
A Nevada debate featured a constitutional argument for parental control of education versus federal intervention.

Transcript Highlights

The following is transcribed from the video audio (unverified — AI-generated from audio).

There’s this thing in the United States Senate called the filibuster.
I love Venn diagrams. Really love Venn diagrams. The circles, right? Three usually. I asked my team to do a Venn diagram.
With 30 days to go, our schedule is pretty much set. I’m happy with where we are.
I am open to the fact that Democrats bear some responsibility. There is a rightful skepticism about the last COVID package.
Bureaucrats 3,000 miles away have no business in the classroom. Parents and teachers — it stops there.
What have you learned from the Latino community? I don’t necessarily think about it that way.

Full transcript: 1091 words transcribed via Whisper AI.