'Fasted for days': Cory Booker didn't eat or drink ahead of record breaking speech

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: Raw Story

April 1, 2025 9:43PM ET


New details about Democratic Sen. Cory Booker’s record-breaking marathon speech are beginning to emerge and reveal how the New Jersey lawmaker was physically able to accomplish the longest floor speech in the history of the United States Senate.

Booker ended his record 25-hour floor speech Tuesday evening after spending a continuous day railing against actions ushered in by President Donald Trump and his Department of Government Efficiency head Elon Musk.

"I fasted for days into it, I stopped drinking water a long time ago,” Booker told a group of reporters, according to CNN’s Manu Raju. “I think that had good and bad benefits; I definitely started cramping up from lack of water. So if some of you saw me really drink nothing at the end, that was just trying… to stop my muscles from cramping.”

The Democratic senator estimated that he stopped eating on Friday in preparation for his day-long protest of Trump administration funding cuts and personnel layoffs, Raju reported.

Read more: https://www.rawstory.com/cory-booker-2671655282/

---

Link to tweet

Manu Raju
·
Apr 1, 2025
@mkraju
·
Follow
To answer the question that I’ve heard many people asking, Cory Booker tells a group of us he didn’t have to go to the restroom over 25 hours because he hasn’t eaten since Friday and stopped drinking water Sunday. He said he intentionally dehydrated himself.
Manu Raju
@mkraju
·
Follow
"I fasted for days into it, I stopped drinking water a long time ago. I think that had good and bad benefits; I definitely started cramping up from lack of water. So if some of you saw me really drink nothing at the end, that was just trying… to stop my muscles from cramping.”
8:55 PM · Apr 1, 2025

An oft-repeated axiom from the late Joe Madison -

"The difference between a 'moment' and a 'movement' is sacrifice."

[dutch777]

1. For those who call this a stunt, I want more stunts. Come on Chuck, your turn....do SOMETHING BOLD!

Sometimes, when it seems all hope is lost, all you have are symbolic gestures. But maybe those gestures stir others to think right, act right and soon, together, it all makes a positive change.

[ButchMcMuffin]

3. The best that Chuck can do

Is move his glasses farther down his nose

[dutch777]

7. Ha! Maybe he should push them up where he can see what is really going on around him. Read the room Chuck!

It will be quite interesting to see if AOC primaries him. 2028 is too far off to affect much now and by then he may just want to retire and do his book tour in relative peace.

[OnionPatch]

4. Yes! We need more of this from the Dems.

They need to get out there and make some noise, not fade into the woodwork.

[WinstonSmith4740]

6. I hope this opens his eyes.

THIS is what the Dems have needed...this energy, passion, and telling truth to power. I sent and email to Schumer during it thanking him for his service, but telling him he needs to pass the torch.

This is our moment. We have got to grab it.

[2Legit]

17. Nope, not even remotely.

When Ted Cruz read "Green Eggs and Ham" during his filibuster, THAT was a stunt. Senator Booker actually came prepared with reams of stories of ordinary people's fears and suffering.

[electric_blue68]

32. This is often true.

[BComplex]

2. This is very similar to a Lakota vision quest in that regard.

I know that Cory Booker came to a deeper truth within himself, and he benefitted the rest of the country with it. I honor his sacrifice.

[TheRickles]

5. Apart from the amazing speech itself, it's also impressive that there were no bathroom breaks. Wow!

[dutch777]

9. He was a man with a plan. We have been missing that. Refreshing to see to say the least. Impressive.

[BonnieJW]

25. I'll bet

He was wearing depends just in case

[underpants]

8. Many years ago I did the Lemonade diet and I was bouncing off the walls

Endorphins or something kick in.
That’s not fasting I know. My wife was certain I’d crash from lack of food but the exact opposite.

[RazorbackExpat]

10. More power to Cory

It's good to have Dem politicians who are willing to go the extra mile for their constituents

[Kashkakat v.2.0]

11. Wow! I listen to radio a lot and its been great to hear clips during newscasts at the

top of each hour. Generally only a sentence or two but without that - all we wouldve heard otherwise wouldve been all trump/vance/musk all the time. This is truly a start at breaking through the hold Trump antics have over the media. Hope to see/hear more! Going off now to Youtube to listen to whole thing in its entirety.

[Rebl2]

12. Sorry

But not drinking water or some kind of fluid is unwise

[TheRickles]

14. That's probably why he didn't need to take a bathroom break. But still....

[tinrobot]

24. Talking for 25 hours straight is also unwise... until it's needed

Booker put his body on the line for democracy. I applaud him for doing that.

[Torchlight]

26. Thankfully, there appear no negative effects

and a greater good was achieved. I think wisdom often looks at much larger pictures than we may.

[Frasier Balzov]

13. How did he not faint?!

[generalbetrayus]

16. He looked pretty wobbly toward the end.

When he was interviewed by Rachel Maddow after the end of his filibuster, I'm pretty sure he was sitting in a chair and not standing as usual.

[Rebl2]

19. Exactly

[LetMyPeopleVote]

15. Cory Booker really prepared for this speech

Thank you Senator Booker for showing us how to make such a wonderful and powerful speech

[HoldenTheDemocrat]

20. Booker's Dedication Highlights the Urgency of Our Fight

Senator Booker's extraordinary act of fasting and his 25-hour floor speech demonstrate a level of dedication and commitment that's truly remarkable. While the physical toll is undeniably concerning, it underscores the gravity of the issues at stake.

The Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, is implementing policies that have a direct and detrimental impact on working families and public services. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, public sector employment has seen a significant decline in recent years, directly correlating with budget cuts and personnel layoffs. This translates to fewer teachers, social workers, and essential service providers, ultimately hurting our communities.

Furthermore, these funding cuts often disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Data from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities consistently shows that austerity measures exacerbate existing inequalities, leading to increased poverty and reduced access to vital resources.

Senator Booker's actions highlight the urgent need to protect these essential services and the workers who provide them. The Democratic Party platform emphasizes the importance of a strong public sector, investing in our communities, and ensuring that everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive.

Ultimately, Senator Booker's speech serves as a powerful reminder of the stakes involved in our fight for social and economic justice. We must channel his passion and dedication into concrete action, advocating for policies that support working families, protect public services, and build a more equitable society. We need to fight for policies that support the working class and ensure that those who are most vulnerable are protected from these damaging policies.

[iluvtennis]

21. Maybe some of that Stanford football player training all those years ago (the 90s helped conditioned the body for it.

Booker is #81 (played tight end)

[littlemissmartypants]

23. Kick. ❤️

[Tumbulu]

27. I worry about the long term health consequences of not drinking fluids for that long

and remain profoundly grateful for his dedication and persistence.

Thank you Senator Booker.

[Clouds Passing]

28. He has probably been practicing the fasting for some time to work himself up to his epic speech.

A speech for the history books. I hope his speech becomes a lesson book.

[BarbD]

29. It was a privilege to witness this historic event.

The intelligence and preparation for this marathon is very impressive. Now it is forever a part of the official record of the U.S. Senate. Bravo to a great American Hero!.

[AllaN01Bear]

30. i know a lot of ppl in ,y circle of friends are more emboldened w this speach

[Born Free]

31. Amazing Feat, I know I could not do it

To me it was an amazing feat, and I am thankful Cory Booker stood up and spoke for all of us. I hope other elected leaders follow his lead.

[electric_blue68]

33. Again, many Thanks, Sen Booker! Hopefully he had some water w maybe Electrolytes rght off.