Senator Cory Booker, representing New Jersey, made headlines by surpassing Strom Thurmond’s longstanding record for the longest speech on the Senate floor. Booker spoke for over 25 hours, breaking Thurmond’s 24-hour and 18-minute filibuster of the 1957 Civil Rights Act. This achievement comes at a significant moment in American politics.
In the current political climate under former President Donald Trump, there are concerns about the erasure of achievements by marginalized groups, but supporters of Booker hope that his actions signal a push back against such trends.
Although not universally supported within the Democratic party, Booker is seen by some as having risen to this moment with conviction. His speech included reading letters from constituents and telling stories about the challenges faced by various Americans. This approach has been praised as effective storytelling and politics, which some feel has been lacking from the Democratic party.
During his filibuster, Booker expressed that his actions were in response to his constituents urging him to take more risks, echoing the late Representative John Lewis’s call to “make good trouble.” His efforts were supported by at least 39 of 47 Democratic senators, who participated by asking questions to provide him brief moments of respite during the lengthy speech.
No evidence was found to explain the absence of Senator Bernie Sanders, who has been active in other political activities, or Senator John Fetterman.
Booker’s words resonated with many, particularly when he acknowledged the significant “heartbreak” present in America today. His efforts on the Senate floor sought to highlight personal stories and the impacts of policy decisions on everyday citizens.
This article is provided by Joan Walsh, a national affairs correspondent with The Nation.