New Jersey U.S. Senator Cory Booker's record-breaking speech, the future of NYC Mayor Eric Adams and a chat with ¡VOS! playwright Christina

·30 min·3 clips

Senator Cory Booker delivers a 25-hour speech on the Senate floor, framing his remarks as a moral stand against Trump's policies.

This episode of the WBGO Journal features segments on Senator Cory Booker's Senate speech, Mayor Eric Adams' political announcement, and a playwright's new work. Host Doug Doyle presents these three distinct news and cultural items. The show highlights voices from New Jersey and New York politics and theater. Senator Cory Booker delivered a record-breaking speech on the Senate floor lasting 25 hours and five minutes. The 55-year-old Democrat began speaking at 7 p.m. on a Monday and continued through the night into the next day. Booker expressed outrage and concern over policies of the Trump administration during this marathon session. He stated his aim was to disrupt the normal business of the Senate. Booker framed his remarks not as a matter of left or right, but of right or wrong, calling it a moral moment. He did not sit down or use the restroom for the entire duration. Separately, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced he is running for re-election as an independent candidate. Adams claimed he has always put New York's people before politics and party. The episode also includes an interview with actor and playwright Christina Pumariaga. Pumariaga discusses the world premiere of her play, *Voss*, at Two River Theater. Booker emphasized the grave and urgent threats to American people and democracy, urging everyone to do more. He repeated a ten-word mantra: "if it is to be, it is up to me." The speech was a physical feat, requiring him to stand and speak continuously for over a full day. Mayor Adams' independent re-election bid marks a significant shift from his previous party affiliation. Christina Pumariaga feels the most authentic she has ever felt as a storyteller currently. She credits her background in television writing for teaching her the fundamentals of plot. The tone is informational and journalistic, presenting news clips and interview segments. The style is straightforward radio reporting, moving concisely between different stories. Listeners interested in New Jersey and New York political developments would find this episode relevant. Those seeking a deep, single-topic narrative might find the segmented format less engaging.

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