It's worth noting that if Harry Reid had not nuked the filibuster for nominees, Janet Yellen may not have been confirmed. Two months ago a 56-26 vote would not have been good enough.
Of course, it's also possible that if 60 votes was still the threshold, the vote might have gone a little differently. Maybe more of the 18 Senators who didn't show up to vote would have voted in favor if they knew approval depended upon it. But I think it is more likely that Yellen would have been filibustered and Obama could have had to either nominate someone else, cut a deal to drum up more GOP votes, or risk another possibly invalid recess appointment.
Of course, it's also possible that if 60 votes was still the threshold, the vote might have gone a little differently. Maybe more of the 18 Senators who didn't show up to vote would have voted in favor if they knew approval depended upon it. But I think it is more likely that Yellen would have been filibustered and Obama could have had to either nominate someone else, cut a deal to drum up more GOP votes, or risk another possibly invalid recess appointment.
