After creating history by destroying records for the longest senate speech in history, Senator Cory Booker told reporters when he walked from the floor that he was sick and tired, but grateful for his time.
“I don’t know how long I can go. I’m very grateful that I last for 25 hours,” Booker said.
Without sitting for the whole speech, dehydration, said the New Jersey senator, has pros and cons.
Senator US Cory Booker (D-NJ) spoke to the press in the US Capitol in Washington, DC on April 1, 2025.
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Booker avoids the question whether he has a device or diaper to help him with the demands of the bathroom.
However, he said he did not need to use a small room for 25 hours because of a very tight fasting routine.
“My strategy is to stop eating. I think I stop eating on Friday, and then stop drinking the night before I start on Monday. And that has the benefits and it is really a loss,” he said.
Senator US Cory Booker (D-NJ) spoke to reporters when he left the senate room after delivering a record floor speech at the US capitol on April 1, 2025 in Washington, DC.
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“The biggest thing I fight is that different muscles are starting to really cramps, and occasionally, seizures or something.”
Booker’s speech, which began on Monday night, continued for 25 hours and 4 minutes, surpassed the previous record set by Senator Strom Thurmond, who filled the Civil Rights in 1957 for 24 hours and 18 minutes.
Booker “very aware” about Thurmond’s notes entered the speech.
“I am very aware of the Thurmond strom record since I arrived at the Senate. I always feel that it is a strange shadow to hang in this institution,” Booker told reporters.
“The mission is really raising the voices of Americans to tell some of their very meaningful stories, a very emotional story, and to let go and let God.” To prepare, Booker says he tries to make him as light as possible, and take everything out of his pocket except the notecard card with a biblical handwriting above him: Isaiah 40:31. “But those who are waiting for God will renew their strength; they will rise with wings as eagles, they will run and not be tired, and they will walk and not fainted,” Booker rang.
He relied on his faith, he said, at one point of praying with Pastor Senator Raphael Warnock ahead of the speech.
For the whole Talk-A-Thon marathon, Booker occupies a small field of space around his desk.