On Tuesday, Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) made headlines with his determination to break the longstanding record for the longest Senate floor speech, previously held by Sen. Strom Thurmond (R-S.C.). In a candid interview on MSNBC’s “The Rachel Maddow Show,” Booker expressed his frustration that Thurmond’s record was established while he attempted to block critical civil rights legislation during the 1950s. “To be candid, Strom Thurmond’s record always kind of, just, just really irked me, that he would be the longest speech — that the longest speech, on our great Senate floor, was someone who was trying to stop people like me from being in the Senate,” Booker stated.
Booker launched his marathon speech at 7 p.m. on Monday and concluded at 8:05 p.m. on Tuesday, successfully delivering a speech that lasted an impressive 25 hours and 5 minutes. This feat surpassed Thurmond's previous record of 24 hours and 18 minutes, marking a significant moment in Senate history. As he approached the historic milestone, Booker highlighted the irony of a room in the Capitol being named after Thurmond, known for his filibuster against the Civil Rights Act of 1957.
Reflecting on his motivation to break the record, Booker remarked, “To hate him is wrong, and maybe my ego got too caught up in if I stood here 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. I’m here because as powerful as he was, the people were more powerful.”
Throughout his extensive address, Booker utilized the platform to criticize potential GOP spending cuts linked to their upcoming tax bill, as well as controversial policies implemented during the Trump administration. His marathon speech was not only a historical moment but also a strategic move to bring attention to pressing issues facing the nation.
To maintain his stamina, Booker was supported by numerous Democratic colleagues who came to the floor to engage him in dialogue, allowing him brief moments of relief while keeping the speech alive. Despite the collaborative effort, it was Booker who predominantly carried the weight of the speech, demonstrating his commitment to “stand here for as many hours as I can.”
Senator Cory Booker’s record-breaking speech serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for civil rights and the importance of standing up for justice. By surpassing Thurmond’s record, Booker not only creates a new chapter in Senate history but also amplifies the voices advocating for equality and progress in America.
