So, let’s talk about something real today.

No, I’m not talking about which team you’re on, Team Paxton or Team Ben? Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah? Damon vs. Stefan? (Honestly, if you’re not a Damon girl, are you even emotionally unstable?)

I’m talking about the real team. The ultimate showdown.

Yes, I took my time and picked up a newspaper and read the news.

(I mean, I saw it on an Instagram reel, but there were subtitles and dramatic music, so journalism.)

Here’s what went down: Senator Cory Booker, in what can only be described as a heroic act of lung capacity and emotional endurance, spoke for 25 hours and five minutes straight.

Yes, twenty-five. That’s longer than any of my workout motivation has lasted.

And what was he talking about?

Democracy. Human rights. Immigration. Healthcare.

And, somehow, Elon Musk??? (Still not over that plot twist. Like, sir, you already own Tesla, Twitter, and probably three planets, why are you also in this Senate speech?)

Now, I get it. If I had the platform, I too would rant. Passionately. Loudly. Possibly with a slideshow and spot lights.

And I know what you’re thinking: “Wow, how brave.”

And you’re right. But also, how caffeinated?

Because there were no breaks.

No Red Bull triple-shot combo.

No sneaky snack bars.

Not even a quick nap on the Senate floor like a sleep-deprived college student during finals week.

Just a man. With a mission. And a microphone.

Beyoncé, but make it political despair.

He went full TED Talk mode, emotional stories, well-researched points, occasional sass, while the rest of the country was arguing about whether pineapple belongs on pizza or if socks with sandals are a war crime. (Answer: yes.)

And while I might not fully agree with every word out of a politician’s mouth (because, hello, I have trust issues and a Wi-Fi connection), I do admire the drama. The unwavering commitment. The sheer refusal to sit down, shut up, or even grab a snack.

So yes, I’m officially declaring myself on Team Senator Booker.

Because sometimes standing up for democracy means literally standing up for 25 hours.

And not blinking.

And not peeing.

Do you know how much someone has to believe in something to hold their bladder for over a day?

That's not politics. That’s spiritual discipline.

But this whole thing also made me realize something bigger, something personal.

This is what it means to hate someone. Properly. Passionately.

Because let’s be honest. That kind of energy? That kind of laser-focused anger that keeps you awake, alert, and unshowered for over a day? That’s what my brain does every time someone wrongs me in even the slightest way.

You forgot my birthday? 25-hour mental rant.

You left me on “seen”? Oh, it’s on.

Senator Booker wasn’t just giving a speech. He was demonstrating what it looks like when you care enough to look unhinged. When you're willing to fight for something, even if everyone in the room rolls their eyes, pretends to be asleep, or straight-up walks out.

That’s not performative. That’s personal.

And weirdly enough, I related.

Even though I’ve never filibustered in the Senate, I’ve done this in my friend group chat.

You know the one:

Me: “Okay, I know I said I was over him BUT ”

Followed by 17 audio messages, a blurry screenshot of an old text, and a reel that perfectly captures my situation.

I don’t always get applause.

But I do get “girl, he’s not worth it” texts.

And sometimes, that’s enough.

So if you ever find yourself wondering, “Am I being too dramatic? Am I overreacting?”

Ask yourself:

Would Senator Booker stop speaking after 45 minutes just because people got uncomfortable?

Exactly.

He made discomfort his whole aesthetic.

And in doing so, he made space for the truth, for his beliefs, and 25 hours and five minutes of uninterrupted, emotionally devastating content.

So here’s my takeaway:

If you’re going to hate, do it with your whole chest.

Do it like you mean it.

Do it like a man with a mission and a microphone.

Because if you’re not willing to monologue about that one person who ruined your vibe for over a day, dehydrated and emotionally raw, then do you hate them?

I don’t think so.

So yes, Team Senator Booker.

And Team Passionate Ranting.

And Team “Don’t Stop Talking Until the World Feels Just a Little Less Wrong.”

And if all else fails?

At least you’ll be remembered as the one who cared enough to never shut up.

Now, let’s consider the dramatic timing of it all. Senator Booker didn’t just start his epic speech on any random day, no, no. He kicked things off at 7 p.m. on March 31st and went straight through to April 1st. And in a country where April Fools’ Day is a national sport, I can’t help but wonder: how many people thought this whole thing was just an elaborate prank? Like, can you blame them? It’s 25 hours of nonstop talking about democracy, human rights, and healthcare, and let’s face it, who wouldn’t assume that was some kind of wildly intellectual joke? But here’s the kicker: This is what journalism and democracy have become, right? People roll their eyes at major issues like human rights violations, economic collapse, and healthcare disasters while jokes are being debated on national TV. Remember when the Roman poet Juvenal said, “Give them bread and circuses and they will never revolt”? Well, folks, this is one big circus, but no one’s noticing the price hike on the bread.

So here’s the real kicker: 

Senator Booker wasn’t just talking about policies, he was exposing the circus we’re all living in. The issues that matter get drowned out by the noise of jokes and distractions. Meanwhile, we’re stuck paying the price, literally and figuratively. And in the midst of it all, Booker stood there, holding the microphone like a man on a mission, unwavering, unbothered, and unrelenting.

So maybe it’s time we take a page from his book, not just in the political sense, but in the way we care about things. If you’re going to care, really care, make sure it’s something worth going the distance for. Speak up. Get uncomfortable. Go for 25 hours straight if you have to. Because sometimes, standing up for what’s right means making some noise and making sure people can’t ignore you.

And hey, at least we’ll be remembered for not being afraid to speak our minds. Maybe not on national TV, but in every conversation, every moment we decide not to stay silent.

That’s the real power.

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