Cory Booker’s historic speech energizes a discouraged Democratic base

As Democratic Sen. Cory Booker neared Strom Thurmond’s record for the longest speech in Senate history Tuesday night, the typically sparsely filled viewing galleries above the Senate floor grew packed.

As Democratic Sen. Cory Booker neared Strom Thurmond’s record for the longest speech in Senate history Tuesday night, the typically sparsely filled viewing galleries above the Senate floor grew packed. Democratic Senate staffers and members of the public drawn in by the feat, like the many Democratic senators seated on the floor, listened intently to Booker’s speech protesting the Trump administration – not only to witness history, but also for a seemingly much-needed morale boost for a party locked out of power in Washington. When Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer rose, more than 24 hours into the New Jersey Democrat’s remarks, to announce that a new record had been set, Booker received a thunderous standing ovation that made the typical staid chamber feel more like a campaign rally. Such expressions from the galleries usually are met with an admonishment from the presiding officer. But in this case, Republican Sen. John Curtis of Utah, sensing the moment, let it pass uninterrupted. In recent weeks, Democratic lawmakers have faced angry voters in their home states who feel their party hasn’t done enough to fight back against President Donald Trump and the Republican majority in Congress. Booker’s remarks were part detailed policy critique of what he said the Trump administration is doing wrong and part soul-searching for what he thinks the Democratic Party needs to do to regain power. Democrats say the historic display was the jolt of energy their base needed, acknowledging that it’s what voters want to see from their party.