25 Hours and 4 Minutes
A Tale of Two Senators
Senator Cory Booker made history with his speech on the Senate floor, speaking for an astounding 25 hours and 4 minutes in defense of fundamental American values. This remarkable speech was driven by his steadfast commitment to protecting our democracy, ensuring access to healthcare, and fighting for the rights of our most vulnerable. Booker’s marathon speech is a stark contrast to the weak-willed, spineless excuse for governing from South Carolina’s Senator Lindsey Graham, who repeatedly caves to pressure from Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and unelected billionaire bureaucrats, rather than standing up for the people he was elected to serve.
To put Booker’s courage into historical context, the previous record for the longest filibuster was held by none other than South Carolina’s Strom Thurmond, who spoke for 24 hours and 18 minutes in an attempt to block the Civil Rights Act of 1957, which sought to protect the rights of Black Americans. And had Thurmond succeeded in his racist obstructionism, a future Senator Cory Booker might never have been possible. So it is only fitting that a strong, accomplished Black man surpassed the previous record held by yet another weak Senator from South Carolina. South Carolina sure can pick ‘em, eh?
“Strom Thurmond’s record always kind of just really irked me. That the longest speech on our great Senate floor was from someone who was trying to stop people like me from being in the Senate. So to surpass that became more important to me.” - Cory Booker
Booker’s record is and always has been defined by his unwavering support for children, veterans, women, seniors, and the most vulnerable. He has been a relentless advocate for policies that expand educational opportunities, strengthen protections for children in foster care, and combat child poverty. He has been a passionate supporter of Medicaid, which remains the number one insurer of children in the United States, covering roughly 40 million children across the country. Booker has fought tirelessly to protect and expand this critical program, knowing that it provides vital coverage to the most marginalized children and families. He has championed bills that improve healthcare access for veterans, ensuring they receive the mental health support and medical care they deserve. He has staunchly defended women’s rights advocacy, from fighting for equal pay to standing firm on their bodily autonomy and reproductive freedom. And for seniors, he has been a steadfast protector of Medicare and Social Security, opposing any efforts to privatize or cut these essential programs.
What has Graham done in his 22+ years in the Senate? Repeatedly pushed policies that would undermine Medicaid, depriving millions of children, seniors, and people with disabilities of the healthcare they need to thrive. He has worked overtime to gut the Affordable Care Act, showing that he has complete disregard for the health of the American people. Graham’s “leadership” in advancing abortion bans proves one thing, he believes politicians, not women, should determine what happens to their bodies. The irony here is laughable.
In sharp contrast to Booker, Graham has proven to be a political coward, bending to the whims of whoever wields power at the moment. When Trump insults him, he briefly acts outraged—only to come crawling back. When Elon Musk speaks, Graham listens, prioritizing the interests of billionaires over hardworking Americans. He has voted against efforts to strengthen Medicare and Medicaid, putting seniors at risk and potentially causing millions of children to lose vital healthcare coverage. He has actively supported policies that strip women of their rights, proving that his loyalty is not to his constituents but to the extremist factions that keep his seat warm. His neglect of veterans is shameful, repeatedly voting against bills that would provide these heroes with better healthcare and job opportunities.
One of the most glaring differences between Booker and Graham is their willingness to face their constituents. Booker regularly holds town halls, directly answering tough questions from the people he represents. He believes in democracy, in accountability, in showing up for the American people. Just like he did for 25 hours and 4 minutes. Graham, on the other hand, runs from town halls like a rat fleeing a sinking ship. He avoids facing his constituents because he knows he has failed them. He knows that when confronted with his record of betrayal, he is defenseless. Graham’s inability to commit to just 90 minutes for a town hall speaks volumes about his lack of respect for the very people he’s supposed to serve. Unlike Booker, who took a bold 25-hour stand, Graham can’t even spare the time to speak with his constituents for a single evening, because he doesn’t “need a town hall to know what to do.”
“I confess that I have been imperfect. I confess that I’ve been inadequate to the moment. I confess that the Democratic Party has made terrible mistakes that gave a lane to this demagogue. I confess we all must look in the mirror and say ‘we will do better.’” - Cory Booker
Booker stands for justice, dignity, and principled leadership. Graham stands for nothing but his own survival, a hollow shell of a Senator who has sacrificed integrity for power. The late John McCain would be ashamed. The difference between them couldn’t be clearer. One fights for the people, the other cowers before billionaires and wannabe dictators. The American people deserve leaders like Booker—courageous, principled, and willing to stand up for what is right, even if it means standing for a staggering 25 hours and 4 minutes. Graham could never.
In a world of Lindsey Grahams, be a Cory Booker.
It’s time South Carolina elected a Cory Booker of our own.
I was able to watch a good portion of his speech yesterday. What an inspiration! I would love to see Sen. Booker as the Democratic Leader in the Senate.