Grok is so helpful....
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Cory Booker, the Democratic Senator from New Jersey, has indeed expressed varied opinions on the filibuster over the years, including moments of criticism, reflecting shifts in his stance based on political context.
In 2019, during his presidential campaign, Booker signaled openness to reforming or even eliminating the filibuster. In an interview with Jon Favreau on Pod Save America, he acknowledged pressure from the progressive left and admitted he struggled to defend its preservation. He stated, “I don’t think I can effectively make that argument of why we should preserve the filibuster at this moment in history,” suggesting it hindered urgent legislative action on issues like gun control and voting rights.
By March 2021, Booker’s criticism sharpened. Speaking to Huffington Post, he argued, “For the sake of our vulnerable populations, for the sake of America doing big things again, the filibuster has to be reformed.” This came during a period when Democrats held a Senate majority and sought to pass ambitious legislation, like voting rights protections, which the filibuster threatened to block. On January 11, 2022, he posted on X, “The filibuster has been abused to stop reforms supported by the vast majority of Americans—from background checks to protecting the right to vote. We must stop this abuse of power,” reinforcing his view that it obstructed popular reforms.
However, Booker’s perspective appears to have evolved by April 2025, when he delivered a record-breaking 25-hour Senate speech protesting the Trump administration. While not a technical filibuster (as it didn’t aim to block specific legislation), the marathon address—lasting from 7 PM EDT on March 31 to 8:05 PM EDT on April 1—drew comparisons to filibuster tactics. Some observers, including Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski, praised it as embodying the spirit of a filibuster, with Murkowski noting on X, “Whether you agree with him or not, the past 24+ hours was what most people think a filibuster actually looks like.” This suggests Booker leveraged the filibuster’s procedural essence for political theater, despite his prior critiques.
Booker’s past criticism often framed the filibuster as a barrier to progress when Democrats were in power, yet his 2025 speech indicates a willingness to use extended floor time—akin to a filibuster—when in the minority to spotlight issues. This shift highlights a pragmatic approach: opposing the filibuster when it impedes his party’s agenda, but embracing its mechanics when it serves as a tool for resistance. His record shows both vocal criticism and strategic adaptation, depending on the political moment.