The Energizer Vegan
Cory Booker, New Jersey Senator and probably America’s most famous vegan, answered the call from millions of Americans yearning for someone to take a stand. Well, he took a stand. And he held that stand. NYT (Gift Article): Cory Booker Condemns Trump’s Policies in Longest Senate Speech on Record. “Without bathroom breaks but with occasional pauses for encouraging questions from his fellow Democrats, Mr. Booker read from a binder of notes and waved a small copy of the U.S. Constitution. He gesticulated and roared. At times, he draped himself over his lectern. His voice grew hoarse. But it remained strong … ‘My voice is inadequate,’ Mr. Booker said more than 19 hours into the speech. ‘My efforts today are inadequate to stop what they’re trying to do. But we the people are powerful.'” (Full disclosure: Cory Booker is a friend of mine. And I feel pretty honored to say that today.)
+ Anyone watch? 400 million likes on TikTok seems good.
+ Did Booker’s speech change anything in terms of what Trump is trying to do or the political leverage held by the GOP? No. But maybe it changed something in those feeling a little alone or de-energized in the fight for something better. Alexander Vindman: On the Bravery of Senator Booker. “We should never forget that the vision of America held by Trump and his cronies is fundamentally unpopular and goes against the spirit of what made this country great. For now, we must focus on small victories and channel our energy towards resisting by any means possible, but we should never forget that we are not alone. I applaud Senator Booker for his bravery and strength on the Senate floor today, may he be an example to us all.”
+ “Booker’s speech officially surpassed the previous record set in 1957 by noted segregationist Strom Thurmond, who filibustered for 24 hours and 18 minutes to oppose the Civil Rights Act.” A Black Senator breaking a segregationist’s record at this moment in American history. It was a good day.
+ How the hell did he stand that long and not take any bathroom breaks? Booker said “he hadn’t eaten since Friday and stopped drinking fluids Sunday night so he wouldn’t have to go to the bathroom.” (I’m a man about the same age as Cory and even if I stopped drinking fluids in 2019, I’d still have to wake up and pee at least twice during the night.)
