New Jersey Senator Cory Booker Sets New Record for Longest Senate Speech
In a significant demonstration of political endurance, Booker held the stage for over 25 hours, exceeding the record of 23 hours and 18 minutes set by Thurmond during his filibuster against the Civil Rights Act of 1957.
Booker, who was a contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020, began his speech on Monday evening by referencing civil rights icon John Lewis’s call to engage in “good trouble, necessary trouble” in the pursuit of justice and equality.
“The past 71 days have shown us how urgent and pressing this call to action truly is,” Booker stated, emphasizing the need for disruption within the United States Senate, which he believes is in a state of crisis, due to the actions of the Trump administration.
Throughout the speech, Booker lambasted the Trump government for allegedly undermining institutions, and also criticized the cuts to federal resources, particularly at agencies like the Social Security Administration, which he argued should not provoke fear among vulnerable populations and the elderly.
A White House spokesperson responded by downplaying Booker’s speech, suggesting it was a manufactured destiny akin to the classic film character Spartacus, which Booker had referenced during the 2018 confirmation hearings for Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court.
“He’s not Spartacus; he’s a parody,” commented spokesperson Harrison Fields.
As he concluded his speech on Tuesday, Booker reemphasized the civil rights legacy of John Lewis, who he said refused to accept a status quo that tolerates injustice.
