Why Democratic senator Cory Booker is protesting against Trump by holding marathon speech
Topics: Politics, US News, Donald Trump
Lucy Devine
Featured Image Credit: Fox News
Topics: Politics, US News, Donald Trump
Democratic New Jersey senator Cory Booker has been protesting against President Donald Trump, by holding a marathon speech which has so far surpassed a whopping 15 hours.
Booker embarked upon the speech, which went on into the night on Monday, in order to warn people about Trump's 'dangerous' administration.
“I rise with the intention of disrupting the normal business of the United States Senate for as long as I am physically able,” he said.
“I rise tonight because I believe sincerely that our nation is in crisis.
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“In just 71 days the president of the United States has inflicted so much harm on Americans’ safety, financial stability, the core foundations of our democracy and even our aspirations as a people for, from our highest offices, a sense of common decency.
“These are not normal times in America and they should not be treated as such. I can’t allow this body to continue without doing something. The threats to America’s democracy are grave and urgent.”
Booker started his speech at 7pm on Monday evening (31 March) and recently passed the 15-hour mark.
The speech touched on topics including immigration, the economy, education and foreign policy.
The speech was also supported by historical quotes and newspaper articles.
Other Democrats have been rallying behind Booker, with some asking questions which has provided a break for the senator.
For example, Chuck Schumer said: “You’re taking the floor tonight to bring up all these inequities that will hurt people, that will so hurt the middle class, that will so hurt poor people, that will hurt America, hurt our fiscal conditions, as you document.
“Just give us a little inkling of the strength – give us a little feeling for the strength and conviction that drive you to do this unusual taking of the floor for a long time to let the people know how bad these things are going to be.”
Tens of thousands of people have been tuning in to watch Booker's live stream, in which he accused Trump and Elon Musk and the policies of the Trump administration as having 'complete disregard for the rule of law, the Constitution, and the needs of the American people'.
Trump is yet to comment on Booker's speech.
This is not the first time Democrats have shown their opposition to Trump's presidency. Just last month (4 March), a number of Democrats in the assembly donned all-pink outfits at Trump's Congress speech.
This was a coordinated protest against the president’s policies which significantly impact women.
"Pink is a colour of power and protest," Democrat representative, Teresa Leger Fernández, explained. "It’s time to rev up the opposition and come at Trump loud and clear. Women have worn pink in opposition to Trump before, and we will do it again."