World Record Speech

New Jersey Senator Cory Booker broke the world record for the longest speech in the U.S. senate, speaking from March 31st at 7pm, until 8:06 on April 1st,  for a total of 25 hours and 5 minutes. The previous record was held by senator Strom Thurmond when he filibustered the Civil Rights Act of 1957.

Booker spent the entire 25 hours speaking out against the Trump Administration, and actions that have been taken since the President took office in January. Specifically, Booker focused on advocating for healthcare and minority rights. Before Booker began his speech on the 31st, he announced, via a video, on social media how he was planning to protest against the state of the government.

“I've been hearing from people all over my state and indeed all over the nation calling upon folks in Congress to do more, to do things that recognize the urgency, the crisis of the moment. So we all have a responsibility, I believe, to do something different, to cause — as John Lewis said — 'good trouble,' and that includes me," Booker said.

When he first took the podium at 7pm, he claimed he would continue to speak as long as he was “physically able”, having prepared by fasting and not drinking water for the days leading up to it. Booker explained how this had both benefits and downsides, as he didn't have to use the bathroom, but also was dehydrated and began to get cramps.

            Previously to Booker's speech, Strom Thurmond had the longest speech when he spoke in protest  for 24 hours and 8 minutes. Booker acknowledged this during his speech, and stated how he had hoped to possibly beat Thurmond's record, especially as a black man.

"The man who tried to stop the rights upon which I stand. I'm not here, though, because of his speech," Booker said. "I'm here despite his speech. I'm here because as powerful as he was, the people were more powerful."

Many have commenced on how Booker's accomplishment is increasingly impressive, as he was allowed no breaks, which Thurmond did have in the 1950s. The speech stayed on topic the entire time, and Booker did not repeat any topics. This contrasts many of the longer senate speeches, where the speaker has begun to talk in circles, or read from books.

“I’m sure that this (breaking Thurmond's record) was probably a big part of his motivation for staying for the 25 hours, because now, even though it's not technically a filibuster, it will be remembered as one - which sort of erases Strom Thurmond, and his efforts against the Civil Rights Act, which is a good thing,” NHS Government teacher Candice Deitter said.

In recent years, many people and officials have begun to view filibusters or marathon speeches as somewhat performative, due to the fact that many senators speak on random topics, such as Ted Cruz reading Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Suess while protesting Obama's healthcare policies.

“I think that what Cory Booker did is so impressive. But not only that, I also think it is setting a really good example for others who don't agree with Trump's policies to take action about it, and not worry so much about what others might think about it,” NHS senior Zoey Lehecka said.

Despite the support Booker garnered, Fox News contributor Raymond Arroyo spoke out against it.

“All he did was hold forth on the floor, finding stall tactics to rest throughout the day. every time he turned around someone was asking a question that went on for 15 minutes,” Arroyo said. “This is not an act of heroism, this is an act of desperation.”

During the 25 hours, Booker spoke on many different topics, mostly those relevant to the current state of the government, starting by acknowledging how he believes the Trump administration is not respecting rule of law. From here, he went on to criticize many aspects of the current political climate of the US, including the removal of the Department of Education and new deportation policies