On March 31, Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) began speaking on the Senate floor in a record-breaking speech that did not end until April 1. Sen. Booker’s 25 hours and five minutes worth of words powerfully spoke to both fellow Democrats as well as those supporting President Donald Trump’s policies harming Americans.
The innate power of Booker’s speech lies in the record he broke. Sen. Strom Thurmond, a segregationist from South Carolina, held the previous record of speaking for 24 hours and 18 minutes. However, Thurmond’s goal while speaking was to filibuster, or delay the passing of, the Civil Rights Act of 1957. In a symbolic juxtaposition, Booker is the first African-American U.S. Senator from New Jersey.
The fact that an African American man broke the record held for 68 years by a Senator fighting against civil rights measures is deeply significant and represents both an ongoing fight and also progress made. And Booker recognized that in his speech.
“I’m not here, though, because of [Thurmond’s] speech. I’m here despite his speech. I’m here because, as powerful as he was, the people were more powerful,” Booker said.
Unlike Thurmond, Booker used his elected platform to criticize the actions of the Trump administration. He touched on issues such as “health care, Social Security, Medicaid, grocery prices, free speech, veterans, public education, world leaders, Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, and national security concerns,” according to the Missouri Independent.
Without repeating topics or points and consistently speaking eloquently to get his point across, Booker effectively pointed out huge issues with the current state of America. Although filibusters are controversial, this technically was not protesting legislation – only preventing any potential legislative actions from occurring.
He also acknowledged the criticism that the Democratic party is currently facing and called on Democrats for not protesting President Trump’s actions enough – though the Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer praised him on behalf of the party. Booker also read stories from his constituents and American citizens, adding a personal tone to concerns he raised.
In a time of seemingly performative activism from true Democrats, this speech set Booker apart from the rest – especially considering his dedication that consisted of fasting as well as standing for 25 hours.
According to USA Today, “Since he started speaking and until he yielded the floor, Booker did not eat and only periodically sipped from two glasses of water on his desk. He did not sit down, did not leave the chamber to go to the bathroom and did not even wander from his desk on the Senate floor.”
This type of protest is completely symbolic in its way of proving that progress is possible, but it requires strong leaders to create a path. Until now, a man fighting against progress held the record for the longest speech – and today, Booker represents the persistence and dedication that it takes to create change.
And, if someone can speak for 25 hours and five minutes about the wrongdoings of the Trump administration – something needs to change.
Layne Rey is a senior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Let Layne know by tweeting her @laynerey12.
