A Democracy in Danger: Cory Booker’s Passionate Critique of Recent Political Developments
Cory Booker speaks in favor of raising the minimum wage on the Senate floor. Photo by Senate Democrats via Wikipedia Commons
“I rise tonight because I sincerely believe that our country is in crisis,” said New Jersey Senator Cory Booker early into his record-setting 25-hour speech on the Senate floor.
Although not technically a filibuster, which specifically aims to halt progress on a particular piece of legislation, Booker’s mission reached a larger scope than any one bill in the Senate.
Booker took the floor on the evening of March 31 after refraining from eating and drinking during the days prior. Maintaining his spot meant he had to speak continuously throughout the 25 hours, with no bathroom breaks or sitting.
The act was a political statement intended to reach the mass public, which it did. At one point, over 300,000 viewers watched live, and the speech made its way into headlines across the country and globe.
Throughout his time, Booker named numerous ways in which he believed President Donald Trump’s administration was harming the American people, the Constitution and the nation’s democratic ideals.
Booker addressed proposed cuts to Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare, articulating how pairing these cuts with tax breaks for the 1% would threaten the social and economic conditions of average Americans. According to Booker, this plan “makes no fiscal sense.”
In foreign affairs, Booker brought up the long-term consequences of recent spikes in tariffs, especially with neighboring countries and NATO allies.
Booker also spoke on ICE raids and other disappearances of immigrants with no due process of law. He said, “You cannot deny fundamental rights for another and not endanger them for yourself.”
“I don’t want a whitewashed history. I don’t want a homogenized history. Tell me the wretched truth of America because that speaks to our greatness,” Booker said.
Censorship of student protestors, museums, the press and the threats faced by federal judges and law firms were other points of conversation that Booker saw as contradictions to fundamental constitutional principles.
Some voices online have expressed criticism that the speech, having not pushed against any particular legislation, was a frail act of virality, lacking real action. Especially following Chuck Schumer’s flip on the Senate Budget bill, discontent with the Democratic Party for minimal agency against President Trump’s administration has become more mainstream.
The intentions behind this move were undoubtedly more complex than the face-value action of stopping Senate activities for the day. Booker was sending a message, claiming this record as a symbolic gesture against the injustices of the past that continue to be riddled into contemporary politics and society.
The previous record holder of the most consecutive time on the Senate floor was Strom Thurmond of South Carolina, who filibustered for over 24 hours straight against the Civil Rights Act of 1957, which had been the first piece of federal civil rights legislation since the Reconstruction Era, over 75 years prior.
On this, Booker said, “I’m here because as powerful as he was, the people are more powerful.” This achievement crossed party lines, Booker noting appreciation from colleagues on both sides of Congress. In the midst of threats to DEI programs and a growing fear of regression on social issues, Booker’s overthrowing of one of the most prominent opposers to civil rights legislation was an incredibly powerful action to take.
The Senator’s dedication and belief in the nation are evident, yet his critiques are passionate and clear. Booker acknowledged the discrepancies within the Democratic Party and the government at large, admitting that he and his colleagues must do more to combat this unprecedented situation.
Ultimately, Booker’s moment in the spotlight highlighted the dangers posed by the current administration and ideology that has taken hold of the American political system.
Yet, the speech also initiates a call to action, citing how history has shown that the people and the nation’s core principles have consistently prevailed when faced with these sorts of challenges. Booker expressed his faith in future leaders, ones who will represent the citizens of the country rather than corporate billionaires. With their help, these perilous threats will be overcome and the nation’s ideals will survive.