A few years back, I spent some time speaking with U.S. Sen. Cory Booker on a train ride from Washington, D.C., to New York City. His energy, passion, and joyfulness are plainly evident when you are engaged with him.
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All his wonderful attributes were shining through from Monday into Tuesday evening in a remarkable display of endurance and conviction. Booker delivered a marathon speech exceeding 24 hours on the Senate floor, setting a record for the longest continuous address in the chamber's history. His feat surpasses the previous record held by Sen. Strom Thurmond, who spoke for 24 hours and 18 minutes in 1957 in a notorious attempt to filibuster the Civil Rights Act.
The symbolism of a Black senator eclipsing Thurmond's record is profound. Thurmond's filibuster was emblematic of the entrenched racism that sought to deny African Americans their civil rights.
Yes, Booker's speech serves as a powerful repudiation of that legacy, highlighting the progress made. Yet, particularly now, there continues to be an ongoing struggle for equality. As Booker noted during his address, "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."
Booker's speech was not merely an exercise in stamina. It was a clarion call against the policies of Donald Trump, particularly those perceived as undermining civil rights advancements. Since taking office, Trump has initiated efforts to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, actions that seek to roll back the progress achieved since the civil rights movement. Human Rights Watch has characterized this anti-DEI crusade as a move that "allows discrimination," signaling a troubling regression to policies reminiscent of the pre-civil rights era.
Throughout his speech, Booker addressed a wide array of issues — actually, I think he addressed every issue imaginable — including proposed cuts to Medicaid, the imposition of tariffs, and concerns over foreign policy decisions.
Additionally, he articulated the frustrations of many Democrats and average citizens who view the current administration's actions as detrimental to the nation's democratic principles. "These are not normal times in our nation," Booker asserted. "The threats to the American people and American democracy are grave and urgent, and we all must do more to stand against them."
Amen!
Booker’s marathon speech also casts a spotlight on the Democratic Party's current challenges. How many of us have voiced concern about a lack of cohesive messaging and effective leadership to counter the Trump administration's agenda? Our anxieties are real, and we’re all frustrated by the fact that many in the party aren’t picking up on this worry and anger.
I think Booker's impassioned oratory may serve to rouse the Democrats, urging them to unify and present a robust alternative vision to the American people.
The other thing about what Booker did is to show the dramatic contrast between Trump and himself. It could not be more striking, One is a man who speaks in self-aggrandizing half-truths and grievance-laced rants, and the other a statesman who just delivered the longest, most impassioned Senate speech in history.
Trump, whose political career has been built on stoking division, dismantling protections for marginalized communities, and using fear as a tool, represents a regressive force dragging the country backward. Booker, by comparison, embodies the perseverance, moral clarity, and relentless optimism that have long defined the best of American leadership.
Trump is someone a child should never look up to. Booker comes across as a true leader, and we are desperate for one.
I don’t think I’m the only one who has been repeating the famous line, delivered by Michael J. Fox’s character in The American President, "People want leadership. They're so thirsty for it they'll crawl through the desert toward a mirage, and when they discover there's no water, they'll drink the sand."
We are drinking sand, and perhaps the endurance and determination displayed by Booker during his speech will quench our thirst. While his 2020 presidential bid was unsuccessful, this recent demonstration of leadership and resilience may very well position him as a formidable figure within the Democratic Party as it looks ahead to the 2028 presidential election,
Think about it. The first paragraph of any news story about Booker might inevitably say something like this: “In early 2025, Booker broke the Senate record for the longest speech.” That will remind all of us about how Booker stood up and fought when we needed him most.
As I witnessed when I spoke to him, Booker’s unwavering optimism and eloquence are at once an inspiration and a challenge to his colleagues. Booker’s charge to the Democrats is to stand firm, articulate a clear vision, and actively oppose policies that threaten the nation's core values.
Perhaps now a weary Booker can finally get some sleep so he’s ready for 2028.
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