An “uncomfortable” conversation with Cory Booker

Jan 13, 2020

Cory Booker, the U.S. Senator from New Jersey, shares his groundbreaking vision of 'radical love' in politics, rooted in his life experiences and struggles with systemic issues. He discusses the moral responsibilities of leaders and the importance of collective action for social justice. The conversation dives into how personal dietary choices intersect with community health and environmental sustainability. Booker highlights the critical need for voting rights and criminal justice reform, advocating for empathy and unity to address systemic inequalities.

01:33:46

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ANECDOTE

Booker's Upbringing

Cory Booker's life was changed by a white couple who helped his family integrate their town.
This act of moral courage taught him about the sacrifices people make for justice.

insights

INSIGHT

Mobilization for Change

Big social change requires widespread engagement, not just electing the right leader.
Booker calls for a "World War II-like mobilization" on issues like climate change.

volunteer_activism

ADVICE

Active Anti-Racism

Be actively anti-racist, not just passively "not racist".
Recognize that justice is interconnected and requires uncomfortable actions, not just words.

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Exploring the Complexities of Political Authenticity

02:23 • 4min

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The Intersection of Diet, Environment, and Community Health

06:27 • 3min

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Moral Leadership and Social Justice

09:39 • 15min

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Bridging Divides in American Politics

24:29 • 34min

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Education and Activism for Equity

58:10 • 8min

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Voting Rights and Criminal Justice Reform

01:05:49 • 9min

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Addressing Injustice and Inequality

01:14:28 • 12min

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A Call for Unity and Moral Courage

01:26:34 • 5min

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There is a moral radicalism to the way Cory Booker lives out his politics. He lived for years in a housing project. He leads hunger strikes. He challenges political machines. He’s a vegan. He has a more ambitious policy vision than is often discussed. But beneath that is a far more radical ethical vision than he gets credit for.

I think there’s a reason for that. When Booker turns his politics turn outward, they lose clarity. He shies away from drawing bright lines, his answers double back to blur out potential offense. As a result, his arguments for a politics of radical love end up emphasizing his love in ways that obscure his radicalism. As admiring as I am of what Booker demands of himself, I often can’t tell what he’s asking of me.

In this conversation, I wanted Booker to risk my discomfort, not just his own. And in his answers, I think you can hear both the remarkable promise and power of Booker’s politics, and some of the challenges that ultimately led him to suspend his campaign.

References/Book recommendations:

Tightrope by Nicholas Kristof

“Who Killed the Knapp Family” by Nicholas Kristof

The Violence Inside Us by Chris Murphy

My book is available for pre-order! You can find it at www.EzraKlein.com.

Want to contact the show? Reach out at ezrakleinshow@vox.com

You can subscribe to Ezra's new podcast Impeachment, explained on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts, or your favorite podcast app.

Credits:

Producer and Editor - Jeff Geld

Engineer- Cynthia Gil

Researcher - Roge Karma

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