When President James Buchanan declared that the United States Senate is the “world’s greatest deliberative body,” he clearly had not envisioned Sen. Cory Booker (D., N.J.). In yet another tirade on the floor, Sen. Booker attacked not just President Donald Trump but his Democratic colleagues for voting for a bipartisan bill on law enforcement. Behind the “I am Spartacus” theatrics is a more troubling trend in the United States Senate as it devolves into a more populist, impulsive institution.
In 1872, Moncure Daniel Conway published an account of a meeting between Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. Jefferson questioned Washington’s support for the creation of a second or upper house in the form of the Senate. Washington asked:
“Why…did you just now pour that coffee into your saucer, before drinking?”
“To cool it,” answered Jefferson, “my throat is not made of brass.”
“Even so,” rejoined Washington, “we pour our legislation into the senatorial saucer to cool it.”
These days, it seems like legislation goes to the Senate to heat up. The Senate is losing its constitutional and cultural moorings as the cooling saucer for our heated politics. Instead, it is becoming more like . . . well . . . the house.
The role of the Senate is key to the Madisonian design in forcing compromise and deliberation. Senators were given longer, six-year terms to insulate them from the immediate political demands that often motivate the House.
That has changed with the 24-hour media-saturated political environment. It has changed in this age of rage. Cue Corey Booker:
Putting the claims of “secret police” and, once again, the imminent collapse of democracy, Booker was immediately set upon by his colleagues after he moved to block the bipartisan bill by fellow Democratic Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto (Nev.) and Amy Klobuchar (Minn.).
Klobuchar effectively accused Booker of grandstanding and hypocrisy:
“I will note that Sen. Booker objected to my police reauthorization bill, the cops funding, the Clinton cops funding, long before Donald Trump came into office. So this is not just about this. This is a long dispute over this type of funding.”
She also snapped back at Booker saying that he could not make a key hearing on the drafting of the bill because of a conflict, noting “I can’t help it if someone couldn’t change their schedule to be there.”
Cortez Masto struck back at the notion that Democrats should simply refuse to cooperate with the Administration or that working with Republicans is what Booker calls “complicity.”
Booker is clearly manuvering for a possible presidential run and seeking to tap into the rage growing on the far left. He is also the inevitable result of the rising rhetoric of figures like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer in pandering to the far left of his party. Democratic senators are now being denounced as “establishment” as Booker and others tack to the left to lead “the resistance.”
Booker just raised the anger ante for Democrats. They must either join the resistance and the rage or face the ire of their party. In the interim, the constitutional system will suffer. We need the House of Representatives as the “people’s house.” We do not need two Houses of Representatives. The Senate ideally moderates, not magnifies, the pressures and passions in the political system.
Booker’s tirades clearly resonates with some on the far left, but it is likely to come at a cost for the institution itself. As tensions build on the Democratic side, Teddy Roosevelt’s quip seems to be coming true in voting for bipartisan legisation: “When they call the roll in the Senate, the Senators do not know whether to answer ‘Present’ or ‘Not guilty.””
There is no Democrat party.
Subsequent to Buchanan‘s comment, the progressives of 100 years ago amended the constitution to provide for direct election of senators. Previously, they had been elected by state legislatures. Maybe the change to make the Senate more democratic was not good for the balance of our constitutional republic. The founding fathers were wary of direct democracy because of the disastrous example of ancient Athens, which had degenerated Into tyranny of the majority. The Senate was supposed to represent the states, which is why each state has two senators. The House of Representatives was intended to be comprised of directly elected representatives of the people. The Senate was intended to act as a check on populism.
I was just about to mentioned that little fact. Nice to see someone beat me to it. 🙂
OT
“Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality and even eye color.”
“My jeans are blue.”
– Sydney Sweeney
______________________
“[The American Eagle ad was a] love letter to white nationalism and eugenic fantasies, and Sydney Sweeney knew it.”
– Zellie Imani
_________________
“All I see are red hats and red flags.”
– DJ Bella Ferrada
_____________________
Sydney Sweeney is a racist.
I love Sydney Sweeney.
^^^^ nice try at off topic troll.
When a politician wants attention and power, minor concerns like “the integrity of the institution” and “the survival of the republic” are not even on the radar. All they see is the White House, and how to get there from here.
Intelligence has predicted a “reunification of Taiwan” through military force by China on around 2028. It wouldn’t surprise me that America would look to a sole “socialist” Autocratic tyranny supported by “The War Powers Act” of unlimited tenure similar to what occurred under the Franklin Roosevelt era. Only this time, the Fuehrer of the Fatherland is likely to be AOC or Jasmine Crockett – minority empowered though the election process (gerrymandering and illegal voting/census delegated by OSF, Arabella Advisor funded Judges, AGs,and DAs).
This is what Booker is supporting – and it’s clear as day.
When a bored old man, no life, no love, just hangs around blogs all day long, then that life is over.
^^^Says the crybaby loser, drinking cooking sherry at his kitchen table all day
Seems to me that the goal of the Democratic Party is not to help the American people (that used to be case but not anymore). But now, it seems to me their goal is to obtain power and retain it. They would love it nothing more than to make this country into a one-party state, IMO.
“it seems to me their goal is to obtain power and retain it.”
Frankly, that has been the goal, if not the defining characteristic, of nearly every politician since politics existed. Our Founders seemed to realize that, and did their best to make the “retain” part difficult by means of separation of powers and other features of the Constitution. Of course, that made that document an almost immediate (and ongoing) target for attacks of one kind or another by those aforementioned typical pols.
Cory Booker is a Nut – Left Wing Radical Woke Senator – but he is entertaining – Senate Fool -He cries when he and the DEMS can’t have their way. Thin Cory needs a bigger baby raddle
Oh cut it out, it just theatrics. Nothing more. Look at Kennedy from Louisiana.
Kennedy is HILARIOUS!!!
Democrats are as popular as male pattern baldness or HSV2.
Bwahahahahahahahahahaha
Sen. Kennedy is a national treasure. Sen. Booker, not so much.
Bad theatrics
Kennedy is fun to listen too
Booker is tedious
If you are going for theater
Atleast make it fun
This is why Colbert is canceled
Democrats are neither serious accurate or interesting anymore
That is a great Roosevelt quote! 😂
“more like . . . well . . . the house”
Some proofreader should’ve capitalized “House” (of Representatives).
“Democrats refuse to cooperate”? What drug do you have to take to fail to see reality here? Did Republicans agree to cooperate when Obama was President? Did you forget that Mitch McConnell declared that Republicans would NEVER vote for any legislation when Obama was President?
Last night, Republicans proved their unfitness to serve–they advanced a LIFETIME appointment for Emil Bove–who has to be the most ethically-unfit person ever nominated as a Federal appeals court judge–and why? Aren’t there others more qualified? Not in MAGAverse–where the main qualification is loyalty to a convicted felon on a power trip hell-bent on “retribution” and enacting Project 2025 by stacking the Courts with radically conservatives who do not respect the rule of law. The vote was 49 to 50–all Republicans voted in favor of this scary-looking cretin. Not one, not two, but three whistleblowers came forward to report that he told subordinates to ignore Court orders. Excerpted from “MSN”:
“While serving as the Justice Department’s temporary second-in-command, Bove ordered the U.S. attorney’s office in Manhattan to drop criminal charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, calling the case politically motivated and a distraction from immigration enforcement. The directive kicked off a spate of resignations from prosecutors in New York and Washington, some of whom accused him of an improper quid pro quo.
The judge ultimately granted the motion to dismiss the charges, but scolded the Justice Department for its handling of the matter.
Sen. Adam Schiff (D., Calif.) and Sen. Cory Booker (D., N.J.) said Monday in a letter to the Justice Department’s acting Inspector General that whistleblower complaints suggested Bove directed subordinates to violate court orders.
Bove played a role in the department’s handling of deportation flights to El Salvador after a judge ordered planes be turned around. Erez Reuveni, a former Justice Department lawyer, alleged that during one meeting, Bove said the Justice Department would need to consider telling the courts “f— you” and ignore court orders.
Bove has denied advising any government lawyer to violate court orders. He said in a letter to Grassley that other witnesses at the meeting confirmed the department would aggressively litigate but follow the court directives.
Before representing Trump, Bove was a prosecutor at the U.S. attorney’s office in Manhattan for about a decade. He briefly worked in private practice in New Jersey.”
Then, there’s the circumvention of judges who voted against Alina Habba and 3 other “acting” federal prosecutors to stay in power after their 120-day “temporary” appointment expired as a matter of law–so, what does the Trump administration do? Circumvent the law by declaring that they are “assistants” to themselves and then elevate them back into the “acting” position. The appeals are already in the works.
Stop posting your copy and paste crapola GIGI. Nobody cares what you think. Just go away.
^^^^^ troll who engages George gigi moves everyone off topic. Tactic
What topic, Gigi’s word vomit? Yeah, I’d hope to distract people away from that, for the sake of their own sanity.
^^^^troll , tactic
“off topic”–the issue was the alleged degeneration of the Senate. It was Republicans in the SENATE that forced creepy Bove onto the Third Circuit bench for a LIFETIME appointment, ignoring the credible reports from three different whistleblowers and the “quid pro quo” deal with Adams so that Trump would get his way with immigration enforcement in NYC–something that local residents do not want. In a real world, there is no chance in hell that someone like Bove, who, in the name of and for the benefit of a convicted felon, preaches disrespect for courts and the law, could ever be on any judge’s bench–and, he probably shouldn’t even have a law license, either, if he does not respect judges or their rulings–but, we’re in MAGAverse now.
“he probably shouldn’t even have a law license, either, if he does not respect judges or their rulings–but, we’re in MAGAverse now.”
Says the serial liar Gigenius, who previously claiming to be a lawyer (which we all know is not true), greatly DISRESPECTS certain Supreme Court justices and their rulings.
How does the Judicial branch choose who works for the Executive branch, Gigenius?
UNLAWFUL and UNCONSTITUTIONAL
^^^^^ another anon troll to move everyone off topic.
What topic?? Cory Bookers insane rant? Who gives a flying F?
https://apnews.com/article/schiff-censure-house-republicans-russia-trump-318300df0f7b4f51c5b0ba5dd91edd23
So, let’s see… Emil Bove is unfit, in your opinion. Fine. Why should anyone care what you (or any of the rest of us, to be honest) think? Were there no party line votes on appointments during the Obama and Biden Administrations? U.S. Attorneys, acting or otherwise, work for the Attorney General. There is no legitimate reason to oppose her nomination, but it was withdrawn to permit her to continue to function as the acting U.S. attorney. It may come as a surprise to Ms. Desiree Leigh Grace, Esquire, that she, too, as part of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, works for the DOJ.
^^^ OT, TROLL.
Research the topic.
mistress adams: U.S. Attorneys WORK FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA to prosecute crimes in the name of the citizens. From “Wikipedia”:
“The Judiciary Act of 1789 provided for the appointment in each judicial district of a “Person learned in the law to act as attorney for the United States…whose duty it shall be to prosecute in each district all delinquents for crimes and offenses cognizable under the authority of the United States, and all civil actions in which the United States shall be concerned…” Prior to the existence of the Department of Justice, the U.S. attorneys were independent of the attorney general, and did not come under the AG’s supervision and authority until 1870, with the creation of the Department of Justice.[”
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington describes the apolitical nature of the duties of US Attorneys:
“Article VI of the Constitution mandates that “all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution.” The oath itself is codified in 5 U.S.C. § 3331, and it requires each official to swear to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same;… and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office[.]” Under the terms of this oath, unconstitutional actions are illegal, and further, actions that undermine the duties of the office and insider threats to national security are also prohibited. Some of the laws that DOJ and FBI officials might potentially violate during a political prosecution or investigation include the Hatch Act, which prohibits certain political activities as well as politicized coercion of government employees, and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and related statutes, which prohibit warrantless surveillance of U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents. DOJ officials should not only refrain from these actions—they must also refuse to follow unconstitutional and illegal orders or assignments and faithfully execute their duties. 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(9)(D) provides the right to refuse unlawful orders, and subsection (b)(3) prohibits retaliation for doing so—however, the Merit Systems Protection Board ruled in one case that this protection only applies if the order would have violated a federal statute and did not apply to guidance or regulations, which are subject to change. It is therefore best to seek ethics advice and base refusals to follow unlawful orders on constitutional or statutory grounds.”
BUT, we now live in MAGA verse, run by a convicted felon who lied to get the power he abuses to appoint unqualified and inexperienced people primarlily because they are loyal to him and will do his bidding, tell any lie he wants them to, to vindicate his complaints against perceived enemies, to allow him to pardon lawbreakers, like the J6 cop beaters because they did it in his name and Ghislaine Maxwell if she makes up some lie downplaying his involvement in the Epstein scandal, to circumvent the requirements for appointments of federal prosecutors, publish military operation details on an unsecure server, allowing his largest campaign donor to decima the federal workforce and download private information about US citizens—-the list of abuses is very long.
Right after claiming to be an ex Trump supporter at 3:15, Gigenius posts another screed under her usual moniker.
You’re so pathetic, Gigenius. We recognize you. You can’t hide your severe TDS, even as a green anonymous claiming to be ex MAGA.
TROLL COPY PASTE OT
Probably a typo but James Buchanan was president from 1857-1861, not 1867 (that was Andrew Johnson).
For Cory, it’s easy. First, he wants to be the big-time leader of Democrats. Second, he wasn’t ranting at the Senate. He was ranting to the Democratic puppet masters, whoever they are. But his wild-eyed speeches will not work – even for that bunch of billionaires.
When IQ size equals shoe size you get Cory Booker, but you have to realize he’s a polymath compared to other legislative lame brains like Hank Johnson and Sheila Jackson Lee. The common denominator? They’re all Dimocrats.
Booker is a lost soul. He lacks gravitas, wisdom, experience, and common sense. His oratory consists of little more than a scold. He is playing to a smaller and smaller audience, an audience that is beginning to see its party disappear in front of its very eyes. Every day brings news of another Trump victory, whether in securing peace, justice, or some unprecedented economic achievement. Republicans talk of tranquil cities, lower taxes, more and better jobs, rising wages, improved standards of living, lower housing costs, and enforcement of our immigration laws. Booker and his dwindling fans talk of transgender “rights,” socialist and/or communist economic policies, defunding police, opposing ICE, and the immigration policies that 77 million Americans voted for, while supporting terrorists at home and abroad. Booker is like Hemingway’s bull; he is finished but doesn’t yet know it.
Booker looked nuts. His eyes were pinholes, his face was tight with anger. I am sure he got what he wanted last night–to be a political performing news channel activist, making sure he was the face was spotlighted on the news last night–moving in on AOC/Bernie and on Jasmine.
I do not want that kind of person as my president. If I were to vote D (I am listed as an unregistered voter in my state), it would be for the likes of Howard Ford, Jr. or someone like him. Who else out there on the right or left (of center), who would even want to be president, is like Howard?
Do you mean Harold Ford Jr???
Maybe he was just acting.
I believe this “downfall” started with the Seventeenth Amendment. When the Founding Father’s formed the Congress, they wanted bicameralism. That is, two houses with two DIFFERENT constituencies. We now have two houses BUT only ONE constituency. I have used the No Child Left Behind Act as an example of legislation that would NOT have gotten passed, if Senators had to justify their support for that Bill if they had had to answer to the States’ Legislature. Now? They don’t worry, because the people don’t remember/care about what their Senators do. The problem is always the other Senators. The problem is actually, they aren’t held accountable. That is why the Seventeenth Amendment needs to be repealed.
Will it?
Most people don’t even understand the Government the way it (doesn’t) work today. Never mind, the way it is SUPPOSED to work!
The original sponsors of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) were:
Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA): He was a key advocate for education reform and played a significant role in shaping the legislation.
^^^ good point, anon. Booker needs a demotion to the House or better gone.
The downfall started when Lincoln ended American freedom after a mere 71 years, denied fully constitutional secession, commenced undeclared war, suspended habeas corpus, failed to enforce existing immigration law, installed a 4-million-man army on U.S. soil, killed 1 million Americans, and ushered in the Progressive-to-communism era, including a letter of congratulation and commendation by Karl Marx.
Looks like the Dems are readying to burn down the House.
As a 74 year old white woman I think the biggest mistake that was ever made was when they removed the various requirements to vote; property owners only (as they had a “dog in the hunt”, those who could pass a basic intelligence test, and men only. It was noted at the onset that once the poor realized that they could vote themselves money, the republic was finished. And now we have a government catering, primarily, to those who are not able to read/write, women who want Uncle Sam as their “daddy” and those who suffer no harm if the government is in debt since those parasites only receive largesse from the government but contribute NOTHING.
Booker is a prime example of the flim/flam artists who are elected by such parasites and who live large on the government payroll as a Senator while, also, contributing NOTHING, to our general wellbeing. Grandstanding has become the art form of those who seek to rob the nation of its treasure and redistribute it to the unworthy who vote for free stuff.
Please go back to Alabama 1830. And stay there.
OOOH you made a funny. Did you get your nickel?
She is correct
People make better choices the more making those choices costs them
Starship troopers is science fiction where you can note vote if you do not serve in the military
The quality of decisions people makes varies directly with the skin they have in the game
The only minority that should be excluded from voting are those who do not have to pay for the government they vote for
Uh, you might want to correct the date on when James Buchanan was president.
The Barbarians are inside the gate.
I don’t think you meant Barbarians in the literal sense. They are truly barbaric people.
“I am Spartacus”
Repeal the 17th Amendment.
Yes.
In my opinion; Bookers speech was pure emotional propaganda intentionally spreading misinformation to gin up more hate from their party base. The speech is dog whistling directly at those that are teetering on the brink of joining or instigating mob violence. I expect to see this speech parroted by the faithful and culturally cemented with viral memes.
I think Booker is setting the foundation to run for President.
Good one. We’ll be seeing Dems lighting up the senate and congress with verbal fireworks for the midterms run in. Its gonna be a doozy.