This week, Senator Cory Booker’s record-breaking Senate address has propelled him into the political limelight, prompting discussions about the possibility of Democrats running for the presidency in 2028.
Booker’s 25-hour speech, aimed at opposing Trump’s actions in the White House, provided a much-needed boost to Democrats, particularly after the party performed better than anticipated in the Florida House race and observed liberal candidates winning decisively in the Wisconsin Supreme Court contest.
Amid the Democrats’ disarray following losses to Republicans in the White House and the Senate majority, and as the party debates the most effective strategies to counter Trump, Booker’s address reignited enthusiasm among party members and colleagues.
“He’s a leader. He recognizes his leadership role. What he accomplished… positions him to be an even more significant voice. That’s extremely beneficial for our party.”
Booker previously ran for president in 2020 and is widely regarded as having aspirations for higher office. He joined the Democratic leadership team at the end of last year.
Murphy, viewed as a potential future Democratic candidate for the White House, stated that Booker possesses the unique capacity to inspire hope among Democrats, even as the New Jersey Senator emphasizes the perils of the Trump administration.
“Cory’s voice is inherently optimistic, and at this juncture, we need to express the seriousness of Trump’s actions.
“In times like these, we require individuals like Cory to be at the forefront because we need to convey the threats to the populace.
Now a fourth-ranked member of the Senate Democratic leadership, Booker’s profile has risen significantly, particularly within the Senate Democrats.
His lengthy address occurred at a pivotal time just weeks after many Democrats expressed outrage at Senator Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) for advancing the GOP fundraising bill aimed at averting a shutdown.
Schumer defended his choice, asserting that a more catastrophic scenario would result from a shutdown. Nonetheless, he faced significant backlash from the party’s liberals, and this choice contributed to the growing sense that Democratic leadership was neglecting the needs of its core constituents.
To many Democrats, Booker’s speech delivered a straightforward message to the party’s voting base: We are attentive.
“We’ve all heard the same call to action. Do something,” remarked Senator John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.). “He took action for all of us.”
The crucial question for Booker is whether he can leverage the attention he received this week to progress.
During his 2020 presidential campaign, his candidacy did not even reach Iowa’s first caucus.
His circumstances are not markedly different today. According toMorning pollsconducted in mid-March, Booker saw a 3% decline in a hypothetical 2028 primary Democratic poll.
Booker maintained the focus on the electoral side post-speech For now, he is set for his third term next year.
Several Democratic senators have indicated to The Hill that Booker’s speech does not seem to stem from a desire to pursue the presidency. The address broke the record set by Senator Strom Thurmond (SC), known for opposing civil rights legislation during his near 70-year stint.
“My experience with Cory Booker suggests that he does not aid the president’s ambitions, and he often undermines them. I don’t believe he will base his decision on that.” “He aims to promote veganism. That contradicts the values that presidential ambitions would embrace.”
“He’s not reshaping himself [or] attempting to adapt his traits and persona into something more relatable for the national audience. He’s not doing that,” he added.
Whether this moment is merely a fleeting instance or if it will lead to a significant future for Booker will unfold in the upcoming years.
“The key question is whether this moment generates enthusiasm,” remarked one Democratic senator. “It’s too early to determine if there will be enduring momentum, but clearly it was a noteworthy moment. It was significant for the Caucus when there was a demand for action.”
One certainty remains.
The competition to become the Democratic nominee for 2028 is fierce.
“Currently, there is no restriction on anyone’s voice or profile within the party,” Murphy stated, reflecting back on Booker. “People admire him. He has a remarkable personal rapport with everyone in the Caucus.”
However, amidst the hopes for potential presidential candidates, Murphy subtly pointed out the irony associated with Booker.
“I won’t sugarcoat it. There might be some grudges when moments like these take place,” he added. “People recognize his integrity, so he has no leverage with Cory.”
