PARAMUS – His voice rising in sync with the cheering crowd, Cory Booker was barreling toward a big finish.
“This is the beginning,” he said to about 1,000 people at a town hall at Bergen Community College.
Rock music played. Audience members crowded around the senator, many posing for selfies.
The beginning? Of what?
That poses another question.
Has Cory Booker, the man from nearby Harrington Park, become the face of the Democratic party and its resistance to Donald Trump?
A week ago, no one would have asked that. All that changed last Monday when Booker commanded the Senate floor at 7 p.m and spoke until 8 p.m. Tuesday, a full 25 hours of words and words and words condemning the Trump administration.
For two months. Dems and their supporters have been searching for ways to fight back. Over the last six days, they may have found it. Of course, it’s not all Booker.
Liberals had a big win in Wisconsin’s judicial race and Trump’s tariffs prompted nearly a 4,000 point drop in the stock market in just two days. Economic uncertainty lies ahead.
Booker’s oratory began the week, which made Saturday’s event quite the celebration.
It was a “town hall,” but it seemed like a campaign rally. By the time the senator sauntered through the door and was formally introduced, he already had received two standing ovations.
Most of the questions were from residents concerned about cuts for special education and health services.
One woman said her autistic son depends on care only Medicaid provides. She was not alone. Others said they were in a similar predicament.
Booker at times left the stage to speak face-to-face with audience members.
There were no challenging, or nasty, questions, but there were some disturbances.
At least five people – one right after the other – screamed at Booker over his support for Israel.
“God bless you,” Booker said in response. He praised the democratic spirit, but said this was not a time for telling.
Police removed all the protesters, some of whom then demonstrated outside in support of the Palestinian cause.
This was an open forum, so any of the protesters could have simply questioned Booker about the Middle East. Apparently, however, some think screaming from the cheap seats is more effective.
As the program resumed, Booker said this year’s gubernatorial election is “vital,” but that he will not endorse a candidate in the primary.
Speaking of elections, there, naturally, was political talk after his speech of Booker running for president in 2028.
Booker did run for president in 2020, but his campaign just never caught fire.
One criticism was that he spoke too much about love and brotherhood, sounding at times more like a preacher than a politician.
Booker still does that, but has now seemingly adopted a harder edge.
“The worst thing you can do is piss off a New Jerseyan,” he said.
He railed against the “autocracy” of Donald Trump and did not disagree when an audience member said he thought he was living in the Weimar Republic.
Just before he left the stage, he said people don’t have to stand for 25 hours, but they should stand for something.
One woman made a comment that probably summed up the feelings of many in the room – and perhaps across the nation.
She said she was feeling hopeless, but now she’s been “recharged.”
Cory Booker, the former mayor of Newark and current U.S. Senator from New Jersey, has long been a prominent figure in the state’s political landscape. Known for his progressive policies and passionate advocacy for social justice, Booker has played a key role in shaping the future of New Jersey politics.
In recent years, Booker has emerged as a leading voice in the Democratic Party, championing issues such as criminal justice reform, affordable housing, and healthcare access. His impassioned speeches and tireless work on behalf of marginalized communities have earned him a reputation as a fierce advocate for change.
Booker’s influence in New Jersey politics was further solidified when he announced his bid for the 2020 presidential election. While his campaign ultimately fell short, Booker’s message of unity and compassion resonated with many voters, and he remains a powerful force in national politics.
Now, as Booker begins his second term in the U.S. Senate, many are looking to him to lead the charge in addressing the pressing issues facing New Jersey and the country as a whole. From climate change to income inequality, Booker has made it clear that he is committed to fighting for a more just and equitable society.
In his new role as a seasoned lawmaker, Booker has the opportunity to continue making a difference in the lives of New Jersey residents. With his track record of bold leadership and unwavering dedication to his constituents, there is no doubt that Booker will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Garden State.
As New Jersey enters a new chapter in its history, Cory Booker stands ready to lead the way. With his vision, passion, and commitment to progress, Booker is sure to leave a lasting impact on the state and its residents for years to come.
