A Historic Stand in the Senate
New Jersey Senator Cory Booker delivered a 25-hour speech on the Senate floor, setting a new record for the longest continuous Senate address. His remarks surpassed the previous record of 24 hours held by Senator Strom Thurmond in 1957. Unlike Thurmond’s infamous filibuster opposing civil rights legislation, Booker’s speech was not aimed at blocking a specific bill. Instead, it was a strategic move to draw attention to Democratic opposition against President Donald Trump’s actions. Quoting John Lewis, he said his goal was to get into “good trouble.”
“In just 71 days, the president of the United States has inflicted so much harm on American safety, financial stability, the core foundation of our democracy, and even our aspirations as a people, or from our highest offices, a sense of common decency.”
And:
“This is not right or left, it is right or wrong,” Mr. Booker said on Tuesday afternoon. “This is not a partisan moment. It is a moral moment. Where do you stand?”
A man of deep faith, Booker said in a 2019 interview with Jim Wallace of Sojourners:
…Faith is really not letting wretchedness and despair and hate have the last word.
A Party Without Power Looks for a Voice
With no control of the House or Senate and no clear opposition leader, Democrats have struggled to effectively counter Trump’s expansive use of executive authority. Booker’s extended remarks sought to create a rallying point to refocus public attention on what Democrats see as a chaotic and dangerous presidency. His speech offered fellow Democrats a platform to contribute and reclaim some control over the national conversation.
“My voice is inadequate,” Mr. Booker said more than 19 hours into the speech. “My efforts today are inadequate to stop what they’re trying to do. But we the people are powerful.”
The Purpose and Power of the Long Speech
Such extended speeches in the Senate are typically used to dramatize opposition, especially when legislative defeat is imminent. Past examples include Senator Chris Murphy’s 15-hour speech on gun control in 2016 and Senator Ted Cruz’s 21-hour protest against Obamacare in 2013. Booker’s speech differed by serving as a symbolic gesture rather than a procedural delay, giving Democrats a space to express unified dissent.
Supporters Applaud Passion, Critics Question Effectiveness
Supporters praised Booker’s persistence and heartfelt conviction. They saw his speech as a powerful act of resistance and leadership during a time of political disarray. Detractors, however, dismissed the effort as grandstanding. Without legislative weight or a clear policy goal, critics argued the speech lacked tangible impact and wouldn’t change Trump’s agenda or Congressional dynamics.
A Preview of 2028?
Booker, a former presidential candidate, may have used the moment to reintroduce himself on the national stage. While not a formal campaign announcement, many believe his speech positions him as a potential contender in the 2028 presidential election.
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US Senator Cory Booker just spoke for 25 hours in Congress. What was he trying to achieve?
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