AOG, it is not a question of smarts with these two. The problem is that their arguments for holding on to the filibuster are so easily swatted away that they look stupid when they try to defend them. However, it is the best fig leaf they have to thwart the Democratic Party agenda which I believe is their ultimate goal. I am not sure why this is their goal, but their stated reasons for opposing Build Back Better and Voting Rights all lead to the same end - a reduced chance of Democrats retaining power in Congress.