By DailyNews48.in | [01/04/2025]
Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) during his marathon speech. (Image: Getty)
Key Takeaways:
✔ 16+ Hours & Counting: Booker has been speaking since 7 PM ET Monday.
✔ Not a Filibuster: Unlike Thurmond or Cruz, his speech won’t block a vote.
✔ Record in Sight? Thurmond’s 24-hour 1957 speech remains unbeaten.
✔ Why He’s Doing It: Protesting GOP cuts to Medicaid and federal programs.
Booker’s Marathon Speech: What’s Happening?
Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) has held the Senate floor for over 16 hours in a dramatic speech protesting Republican-led budget cuts. Though not a formal filibuster (which blocks votes), his endurance test echoes historic marathon speeches like:
- Strom Thurmond’s 24-hour anti-civil rights filibuster (1957)
- Ted Cruz’s 21-hour ObamaCare rant (2013)
- Chris Murphy’s 15-hour gun control push (2016)
Booker, in a pre-speech social media video, said Americans demanded lawmakers “do more” in this “crisis moment.”
Will Booker Break the Senate Speech Record?
To surpass Thurmond’s 24-hour 18-minute record, Booker must keep talking past 7:18 PM ET Tuesday. Key hurdles:
- Physical Limits: Thurmond dehydrated himself to avoid bathroom breaks.
- Senate Rules: Unlike filibusters, Booker’s speech could disrupt official business if it continues past noon.
- Democratic Support: Colleagues like Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) have joined with questions to keep him going.
The Most Famous Senate Filibusters in History
1. Strom Thurmond’s Racist Stand (1957)
- Duration: 24 hours, 18 minutes
- Goal: Block the Civil Rights Act of 1957
- Tactics: Took steam baths to avoid bathroom breaks; cited obscure laws.
2. Ted Cruz’s “Green Eggs & Ham” Speech (2013)
- Duration: 21 hours, 19 minutes
- Goal: Stop ObamaCare funding
- Odd Moments: Read Dr. Seuss, rambled about Star Wars.
3. Chris Murphy’s Gun Control Marathon (2016)
- Duration: 15 hours
- Goal: Force votes on gun laws after Orlando shooting
- Full Circle: Booker was Murphy’s aide during this speech.
Why Booker’s Speech Matters
While not a filibuster, Booker’s stunt highlights:
- GOP Budget Cuts: He’s protesting proposed Medicaid and agency funding slashes.
- Democratic Strategy: Symbolic resistance ahead of 2024 elections.
- Social Media Impact: Clips of his speech are going viral.
Final Verdict: Will He Make History?
As of this writing, Booker shows no signs of stopping. If he lasts until 7:18 PM ET Tuesday, he’ll dethrone Thurmond. But even if he falls short, his message is clear: Democrats won’t back down quietly.
Stay tuned to DailyNews48.in for live updates!