During a remarkable Senate session, Senator Cory Booker captivated the nation with an extended speech that not only showcased his oratory skills but also aimed to break the longstanding record set by the infamous Strom Thurmond. Reflecting on his motivations, Booker stated, “Maybe my ego got caught up that maybe, maybe, just maybe, I could break this record of the man who tried to stop the rights upon which I stand. I’m not here, though, because of his speech; I’m here despite his speech.” This powerful sentiment underscores the contrast between the two senators, highlighting the evolving landscape of civil rights in America.
Before embarking on his marathon speech, Booker did not publicly announce his intention to set a new record. Instead, he expressed a desire to match his 2016 performance when he and Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) held the floor for approximately 15 hours to discuss gun violence. However, as the hours passed on Tuesday and Booker showed no signs of fatigue, speculation grew among his colleagues about whether he could indeed surpass Thurmond’s 67-year-old record. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer remarked, “We hope and believe he will break the record. He’s close to it now,” emphasizing the significance of the moment.
Booker, who has served in the Senate since 2013, was not alone in his endeavor. Throughout the lengthy speech, he was joined by dozens of his Democratic colleagues, who participated in extensive discussions that allowed him to rest while maintaining control of the floor. Notable figures like Murphy were present as Booker approached Thurmond’s record, contrasting their current civil rights advocacy with the segregationist's past attempts to obstruct progress. Murphy stated, “What you have done here today, Senator Booker, couldn’t be more different than what occurred on this floor in 1957,” a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality.
As one of the five Black senators currently serving, Booker’s speech resonated widely, drawing attention from across the political spectrum. Schumer praised him, saying, “Your strength, your fortitude, your clarity has been nothing short of amazing.” The event also attracted significant viewership on social media, indicating that Booker managed to channel the frustrations of Democrats in light of recent electoral challenges and the tumultuous climate following the onset of Trump’s second term. “All of America is paying attention to what you’re saying,” Schumer added, reinforcing the impactful nature of Booker’s message.
A former mayor of Newark, Booker has long pursued a more prominent role in national Democratic politics. He launched a presidential campaign in 2019 but struggled to gain traction, ultimately withdrawing weeks before the Iowa caucuses. Currently serving as the strategic communications chair in the Senate Democratic leadership, he is viewed by his colleagues as a potential candidate for higher office if he decides to pursue it. Alongside Schumer and Murphy, other senators, including Amy Klobuchar and Mazie Hirono, showed their support by joining him on the Senate floor.
Booker’s speech also drew attention from House Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and members of the Congressional Black Caucus, who were seen entering the Senate chamber to witness his historic address. Starting his speech with two glasses of water and a thick binder of notes, Booker humorously acknowledged the physical toll of his lengthy address, joking that he needed to “go deal with some of the biological urgencies I’m feeling” after setting the record.
Throughout his speech, Booker addressed a myriad of pressing issues, including various policies of the Trump administration, proposed tariffs, and potential cuts to Medicaid embedded in a House GOP budget plan. He asserted, “The vote to pass this dangerous blueprint did not come easily, and we will make sure that lawmakers know that enacting these cuts would be to abandon older Americans.” Furthermore, he critiqued Trump’s foreign policy, particularly the warmer relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and the criticisms aimed at NATO.
After Booker concluded his record-setting speech, the Senate proceeded to vote on the confirmation of Matthew Whitaker as U.S. ambassador to NATO, a vote that was delayed due to the length of Booker’s address. This remarkable display not only solidified Booker’s position in Senate history but also highlighted the ongoing commitment of many legislators to fight for civil rights and social justice in America.
