Cory Booker, the passionate Senator from New Jersey and social justice advocate, discusses his record-breaking Senate speech against authoritarianism. He emphasizes the need for moral over political leadership in America, urging citizens—and even Republicans—to unite for empathy and accountability. The conversation dives into the impact of Trump’s policies on democracy and the urgent call for compassionate governance. Booker stresses the responsibility of leaders to navigate today's turbulent political landscape while fostering hope and addressing pressing social issues.
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insights INSIGHT
Severe Threats to Democracy
Trump's attacks target fundamental constitutional principles and post-World War II traditions.
The lack of Republican opposition enables severe and potentially irreversible damage within 100 days.
insights INSIGHT
Science Cuts Risk Innovation
Cuts to scientific research threaten long-term American innovation and global leadership.
Research investments can't be turned on and off without losing competitive advantage, unlike countries like China doubling down on science.
insights INSIGHT
Silence Enables Authoritarianism
Political leaders refrain from standing up because public demand is insufficient.
Corporate leaders often remain silent, prioritizing profits over defending democracy against authoritarianism.
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In this book, Harvard professors Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt examine the breakdown of democracies, arguing that modern democracies do not die in a sudden coup but rather through the slow erosion of critical institutions and political norms. Drawing on decades of research and examples from 1930s Europe to contemporary cases in Hungary, Turkey, Venezuela, and the American South during Jim Crow, the authors highlight the importance of mutual toleration and forbearance in maintaining democratic stability. They identify key indicators of authoritarian behavior, such as the rejection of democratic rules, denial of opponents' legitimacy, tolerance of violence, and curtailment of civil liberties. The book also discusses the role of political parties in defending democracy and proposes solutions to counteract democratic backsliding, including elite-level cooperation, addressing social inequalities, and restoring democratic norms[2][4][5].
As Donald Trump continues to launch unprecedented and innovative attacks on immigrants, civic institutions, and the rule of law, the Democratic response has been—in the eyes of many observers—tepid and inadequate. One answer to the sense of desperation came from Senator Cory Booker, who, on March 31st, launched a marathon speech on the Senate floor, calling on Americans to resist authoritarianism. Booker beat the record previously held by Senator Strom Thurmond’s twenty-four-hour-long filibuster of the Civil Rights Act, in 1957, and he spoke in detail about Americans who are in desperate straits because of federal job cuts and budget slashing. “We knew . . . if I could last twenty-four hours and eighteen minutes, that we could potentially command some attention from the public,” Booker tells David Remnick. “That’s the key here . . . to deal with the poverty of empathy we have in our nation right now.” Yet Booker bridles as Remnick asks about Democratic strategy to resist the Administration’s attacks. Instead, he emphasized the need for “Republicans of good conscience” to step up. “Playing this as a partisan game cheapens the larger cause of the country,” he argues. “This is the time that America needs moral leadership, and not political leadership.”
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