2020 Presidential Campaign Blog

Senator Cory Booker's Full Remarks at the 2020 Democratic National Convention

Senator Cory Booker's Full Remarks at the 2020 Democratic National Convention

MILWAUKEE—Below are Senator Cory Booker's full remarks as prepared for delivery from night four of the 2020 Democratic National Convention.

The Honorable Cory Booker
United States Senator from New Jersey
Democratic National Convention
Thursday, August 20, 2020
Remarks as Prepared for Delivery

I’m here because a union job lifted my family out of poverty and into the middle class.

My grandfather left the Jim Crow South for Detroit, joined the UAW and got a job on the assembly lines during World War II. That union job enabled him to support his family, raise my mom, and send her to Fisk University.

That’s the American dream. Together we work; together we rise.

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris know the dignity of all working Americans; they know the urgency and the demand of our dream.

But working people are under attack, the wealth gap grows, our middle class shrinks, and poverty persists. Last week, Donald Trump said “our economy is doing good,” while 40 million Americans are at risk of losing their homes. Thirty million aren’t getting enough food to eat and 5.4 million people have lost their health care because of this crisis.

He has failed us.

But still, I believe in the dream of our ancestors.

Together, with Joe and Kamala in the White House, we’ll raise the minimum wage so no one who works a full-time job lives in poverty.

Together, we’ll fight for those who keep us healthy; who keep us safe; who teach our kids.

We’ll stand for those who cook, and serve, and clean; who plant and harvest; who pack and always deliver, whose hands are thick with calluses, like my grandad’s who held mine when I was a boy. If he was alive, Joe and Kamala, he would be so proud of you—and he’d tell us, take another by the hand, and another, and let’s get to work, this dream ain’t free, you gotta work for it.

So like his generation, up out of the Depression; let’s now work together and stand together and America, together, we will rise.

Cory Booker Suspends Campaign for President

Cory Booker: I've made the hard decision to suspend my campaign for president.

Cory Booker sent the following email to supporters today at 11am ET:

Friend,

Nearly one year ago, I got in the race for president because I believed to my core that the answer to the common pain Americans are feeling right now, the answer to Donald Trump’s hatred and division, is to reignite our spirit of common purpose to take on our biggest challenges and build a more just and fair country for everyone.

I’ve always believed that. I still believe that. I’m proud I never compromised my faith in these principles during this campaign to score political points or tear down others. And maybe I’m stubborn, but I’ll never abandon my faith in what we can accomplish when we join together.

I will carry this fight forward -- I just won’t be doing it as a candidate for president this year.

It’s with a full heart that I share this news -- I’ve made the decision to suspend my campaign for president.

It was a difficult decision to make, but I got in this race to win, and I’ve always said I wouldn’t continue if there was no longer a path to victory.

Our campaign has reached the point where we need more money to scale up and continue building a campaign that can win -- money we don’t have, and money that is harder to raise because I won’t be on the next debate stage and because the urgent business of impeachment will rightly be keeping me in Washington.

So I’ve chosen to suspend my campaign now, take care of my wonderful staff, and give you time to consider the other strong choices in the field.

I’m proud of the ideas we brought to this Democratic primary and, more importantly, the values we championed throughout -- that the only way we make progress is by bringing people together -- even when we were told that our approach couldn’t win. Because our values must always be our values, even when that’s not convenient.

Over the past eleven months of this campaign, we rallied around bold ideas to tackle some of the biggest challenges we face as a nation. We moved the debate forward on gun violence -- introducing a plan with the most aggressive gun safety measures our country had ever seen. We advocated for progressive, swift change to our criminal justice reform system. We fought to protect and strengthen reproductive rights and access to abortion. Together, we spoke out and stood up for people and communities that have been left out and left behind.

We never backed down from our commitment to being a campaign powered by the people. I’m so grateful to the supporters who invested time, money, and resources into building this organization. I’m forever indebted to you and your activism.

I will be doing everything in my power to elect the eventual Democratic nominee for president, whomever that may be, and to elect great Democrats to the Senate and up and down the ballot. 2020 is the most important election of our lifetimes -- we have to beat Donald Trump... but beating Trump is the floor, not the ceiling.

We must remember that throughout the campaign to come, and as we work to build a more just America in Trump’s wake. It’s activists like you who are going to be so important in this election and I feel so lucky to have you on my team.

We may have not reached our ultimate goal, but over the last year I’ve had the pleasure of meeting so many incredible, inspiring, engaged people all over this country, and I am more confident now than ever that together we will rise.

Cory

New Hampshire State Representative Tim Horrigan Endorses Cory Booker for President

NH State Representative Tim Horrigan Endorses Cory Booker for President
Three Community Leaders Also Announce Their Support for Booker

In the Last Six Weeks, Booker Has Seen a Surge in Endorsements from NH Electeds, Former Electeds, Community Leaders, and Activists

Manchester, NH — New Hampshire State Representative Tim Horrigan (Durham) and several community leaders today endorsed Cory Booker for president, citing his ability to excite a diverse coalition of voters needed to win in November.

The new endorsements come on the heels of former New Hampshire State Senator Katie Wheeler (Durham) announcing her support for Booker. Booker is among the leaders for earning endorsements from New Hampshire elected officials, former elected officials, community leaders and activists.

“I’m endorsing Cory Booker because he understands what it takes to prevent gun violence in our country. His track record is unmatched,” said State Rep. Tim Horrigan. “Cory knows how to overcome the biggest challenges and get the job done, and he is uniquely capable of exciting a broad coalition of voters we need to beat Donald Trump and heal our country.”

Horrigan is serving his sixth term and represents Strafford County District 6 (Durham and Madbury). In the legislature, he has focused on preventing gun violence, making health care more accessible and increasing access to the ballot box for Granite Staters. Booker was the first candidate to propose gun licensing -- which many 2020 presidential candidates now support -- and has vowed to pursue a new and expanded Voting Rights Act that would end systematic attempts to limit access to the ballot box and strip citizens of their constitutionally-guaranteed right to vote.

Also endorsing Booker today are:

Katie Desrochers, a six-term Manchester School Board member
“I have followed the path of Cory Booker’s journey since he was Mayor of Newark. Today, I am proud to announce that I am officially endorsing him for President of the United States. Cory’s character and commitment to service is exactly what we need. Cory knows firsthand the impact of a quality public education on a child's life. That's why he'll give our teachers a much-needed raise and fight as president for every child, regardless of zip code."

Anthony Poore, the first African-American executive director of New Hampshire Humanities, a Concord-based non-profit organization. Last week, while campaigning in New Hampshire, Booker joined an intimate gathering of African-American leaders in Manchester hosted by Poore, who tweeted following the event: “I was honored to host Sen. Cory Booker this evening. He didn't rush...He listened and took the time to connect with folks in authentic ways. He earned my respect and my vote. Thank you sir.”

Dierdre Reynolds, a prominent Nashua gun violence prevention activist
“Cory is more committed to ending the epidemic of gun violence than any other candidate. I enthusiastically endorse him because he will take action to protect our children.”

In addition to these new endorsers, Booker has earned the backing of three state senators, 20 additional state representatives, the state’s longest-serving mayor, and dozens of key activists across New Hampshire.

Cory Booker 2020 Launches New 30-Second Ad in Iowa “Rise”

Cory 2020 Launches New 30-Second Ad in Iowa Backed By Another Six-Figure Buy
“Rise” Highlights Cory’s Record of Bringing People Together in Common Purpose

Newark, NJ — Backed by another six-figure buy, Cory 2020 will launch a new 30-second spot in Iowa today.

The ad, titled “Rise,” highlights Cory’s commitment to bringing people together to ignite our spirit of common purpose, and inspiring us to not only win this election, but to take on the biggest challenges in our country that are leaving so many people and so many communities behind.

WATCH

Below is a transcript of the spot:

BOOKER: In Iowa and homes across America, we feel a common pain. And our spirit is tested by those who want to tear us apart. We face our generation’s great choice -- whether to break into factions or rise in common purpose.

A spark that starts here in Iowa will ignite the nation. Join us, and we will rise together.

I’m Cory Booker and I approve this message.

Cory Booker Returns to Iowa on January 7-9, 2020 **Updated

Cory Booker Returns to the Hawkeye State January 7th - 9th **Updated

Due to the rapidly evolving situation with Iran, Cory Booker, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, will travel to Washington, DC, on Wednesday, January 8th to attend a Congressional briefing on Iran.

Des Moines, IA - On the heels of releasing a brand new 30-second ad in Iowa, Cory Booker will return to the Hawkeye state for campaign events on January 7th and January 9th.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the rapidly evolving situation with Iran, Cory Booker, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, will travel to Washington, DC, on Wednesday, January 8th to attend a Congressional briefing on Iran.

As a result, his campaign event in Marshalltown, IA on January 7th as well as all public events in Iowa on Wednesday, January 8th are canceled.

All other previously announced events on January 7th and 9th in Iowa will proceed as planned.Cory Booker in Iowa
January 7th - January 9th

January 7th, 2020

POLK COUNTY
WHO: Senator Cory Booker
WHAT: Black Women's Luncheon in Des Moines
WHERE: RSVP for address, Des Moines, IA
WHEN: 12:00 PM CT
DOORS OPEN: 11:30 AM CT
*This is a private event.

POLK COUNTY
WHO: Senator Cory Booker
WHAT: Meet and Greet with Cory at the Home of Polk County Democratic Chair Sean Bagniewski
WHERE: RSVP for address, Des Moines, IA
WHEN: 3:30 PM CT
DOORS OPEN: 3:00 PM CT
*This is a private event.

January 8th, 2020 Events Canceled

January 9th, 2020

JOHNSON COUNTY
WHO: Senator Cory Booker, State Representative Amy Nielsen
WHAT: Conversation with Cory in North Liberty
WHERE: North Liberty Community Center, 520 W Cherry St, North Liberty, IA 52317
WHEN: 12:00 PM CT
DOORS OPEN: 11:30 AM CT
*Public RSVP: click here. https://www.mobilize.us/bookerforiowa/event/190221/

LINN COUNTY
WHO: Senator Cory Booker
WHAT: Meet and Greet with Cory in Mount Vernon
WHERE: First Street Community Center, 221 First Street NE, Mount Vernon, IA 52314
WHEN: 2:30 PM CT
DOORS OPEN: 2:00 PM CT
*Public RSVP: click here. https://www.mobilize.us/bookerforiowa/event/190383/

Cory Booker 2020 Will Report Best Fundraising Quarter Yet, Raises $6.6 Million in Fourth Quarter

Cory 2020 Will Report Best Fundraising Quarter Yet, Raises $6.6 Million in Fourth Quarter

Record quarter powered by grassroots surge; half of Q4 total came from first-time donors

Newark, NJ — Cory 2020 had its best fundraising quarter during the last three months of 2019, raising $6.6 million thanks to a groundswell of new grassroots support. 

Over half of Cory 2020’s Q4 total came from donors who were giving to the campaign for the first time, and 96 percent of people who gave for the first time in Q4 donated via Cory 2020’s online fundraising program. Cory 2020’s average online donation in the fourth quarter was $22.98.

“We’re thrilled to have closed out 2019 with our best fundraising quarter yet, despite not being able to join the December debate stage due to the artificial thresholds that prevented viable candidates from participating,” said Cory 2020 campaign manager Addisu Demissie. 

“But to put it bluntly, we’re still behind the fundraising of a field of predominantly white candidates who have been able to haul in significantly greater sums of money or tap into their personal fortunes to fund their campaigns. In the wake of Julian Castro’s departure, we find ourselves at a juncture where what started out as the most diverse field of candidates running for president in our nation’s history is increasingly becoming one that does not reflect the rich diversity of our party and of our country. 

“Despite the barriers, we are running hard at this challenge, getting stronger, and asking everyone who wants to keep Cory competitive in this race to go to corybooker.com and help support our campaign.”

These contributions have made it possible for the campaign to go up on the airwaves with television ads for the first time and remain competitive as the campaign enters the home stretch in Iowa, where momentum for Cory has continued to build. 

Cory Booker Earns New Endorsements from Iowa State Representative Charlie McConkey, Local Elected Officials, and Critical Caucus Activists

Cory Booker Earns New Endorsements from Iowa State Representative Charlie McConkey, Local Elected Officials, and Critical Caucus Activists

Des Moines, IA - Cory Booker is beginning 2020 with a powerhouse list of new endorsements from current and former Iowa elected officials and critical caucus activists. Led by Iowa State Representative Charlie McConkey, the latest list of Iowans to join Cory’s caucus coalition includes Linn County Supervisor Ben Rogers, Story County Treasurer Ted Rasmussen, Dubuque City Council Member Brad Cavanaugh, former State Representative Nate Willems and more.

“Iowa needs a president who will go to Washington, rise above the useless partisanship, and get things done. Cory Booker is ready to be that president on day one. He’s an experienced executive who has already proven that he can achieve real results for his constituents. My constituents can’t afford to wait years for affordable health care and jobs that pay a living wage and real solutions to our devastating floods, which is why I’ll be proud to caucus for Cory Booker on February 3rd,” said State Representative Charlie McConkey.

Cory continues to build momentum in Iowa, recently launching a six-figure, 60-second ad buy in the state. State Representative Charlie McConkey becomes the eighth member of the Iowa State Legislature to endorse Cory. He and this new group of endorsers join a list of more than 100 Iowa leaders who will be in the caucus rooms advocating for Cory on February 3rd.

NEW 1/1/2020 CORY BOOKER ENDORSEMENTS

Iowa State Representative Charlie McConkey (HD-15)
Linn County Supervisor Ben Rogers
Story County Treasurer Ted Rasmussen
Dubuque City Councilor Brad Cavanaugh
School Board Member Tim Tripp, Marion County
Former State Representative Nate Willems, Linn County
Vickee Adams, Dallas County Activist
David Betsworth, Former Warren County Democratic Party Chair
Reverend Kenneth Briggs, Veteran, Polk County
Ruth Comer, Lucas County Activist
Janet Eldridge, Black Hawk County Gun Safety Advocate
Tom Fisher, Former State House Candidate. Polk County
Dr. Curtis Gedney, Cerro Gordo County Physician
Scott Hall, Attorney, Dallas County
Hope Johnson, Moms Demand Action Lead, Dallas County
Amy Keirderling and Keith Larsen, Dallas County Small Business Owners
Kirk Lautensleger, Polk County Small Business Owner
Margaret Vernon, Warren County Activist

Cory Booker 2020 Launches Six-Figure Iowa TV Buy with New 60 Second Spot “He Will Win”

Cory 2020 Launches Six-Figure Iowa TV Buy with New 60 Second Spot

“The call of this election is the call to unite in common cause and common purpose… as your president, that’s how I will move us forward together.”

Newark, NJ — Cory 2020 will launch a six-figure TV ad buy in Iowa today with a new, 60 second spot that tells the story of Cory Booker’s career-long record of success in building uncommon coalitions. Cory has built these coalitions and brought people together in order to take on the biggest challenges in our country — challenges that have left too many people and too many communities behind.

The ad reminds Iowa caucus-goers that Cory is the Democrat who will help Americans recognize our common pain, ignite our spirit of common purpose, and mobilize a coalition big enough to defeat Donald Trump in November.

The ad calls back to Cory’s years taking on and beating the Newark political machine and his Senate record bridging partisan divides in order to pass major legislation. It uses excerpts from remarks Cory has made throughout this presidential campaign — and his career. It will begin airing in the Des Moines and Cedar Rapids media markets on Monday, December 30th.

The spot, titled “He Will Win”, can be viewed HERE.



The 60 second ad was produced by WIN, an innovative firm that takes political media and communication outside the standard confines of politics as usual. The WIN team working with Cory 2020 is comprised of strategic veterans Rick Fromberg and Rania Batrice and Chief Creative Officer Matt McLaughlin.

Below is a transcript of the spot:

There’s a spirit in this country that is so powerful.

The spirit of the people who are willing to live every day in pursuit of the dreams that do not yet exist in this country.

It’s a story of people constantly demonstrating to be the best of what it means to be an American.

In Newark there are many heroes to hold onto. People who humble me because they have found a way to have unyielding faith.

We face perilous times. The question is, will we show that same level of courage?

The call of this election is the call to unite in common cause and common purpose, because we know that our fates are united, that we have a common destiny.

And as your president, that’s how I will move us forward together.

I’m Cory Booker and I approve this message.

Cory Booker Returns to Reno, Nevada for Community Events on Monday, December 30, 2019

Cory Booker Returns to Reno, Nevada for Community Events on Monday, December 30, 2019

Reno, NV — Tomorrow, December 30th, Cory Booker will return to northern Nevada to participate in a Conversation with Cory event at the California Building in Reno and join Latino community leaders for a roundtable meeting in Sparks.

Since launching his campaign, Cory Booker has visited the state ten times as a candidate and held over two dozen events in both northern and southern Nevada, including Boulder City and Minden, where he became the first candidate to visit rural Nevada and was one of the first candidates to participate in a virtual meet and greet with over 200 rural Nevadans. Cory has earned the support of 100 community leaders across the state.

Monday, December 30, 2019

WHAT: Latino Community Leader Roundtable
WHERE: Panaderia Azteca Mexico #2, 780 N McCarran Blvd, Sparks, NV 89431
WHEN: 10:00 AM

WHAT: Conversation with Cory with special guests Assemblywoman Sarah Peters and Reno City Councilwoman Jenny Brekhus
WHERE: California Building, 75 Cowan Dr, Reno, NV 89509
WHEN: 1:00 PM (Doors open 12:30 PM)
Public RSVP HERE

Cory Booker To Ring in the New Year in Iowa on December 31st and January 1st

Cory Booker To Ring in the New Year in Iowa
Cory Will Be in Iowa December 31st and January 1st

Des Moines, IA — Following Cory Booker’s highly successful five-day “Cory Booker for America Tour” across Iowa, the candidate will return to Iowa to ring in the New Year on December 31st, 2019 and January 1st, 2020.

Since day one, Cory 2020 has been laser focused -- not on polls or artificial thresholds -- on organizing and getting hot at the right time. With a little more than a month left to the Iowa Caucuses, Cory’s trip to Iowa will seek to grow support precinct by precinct for the February 3rd contest. These efforts will be significantly aided by Cory 2020’s recent announcement of a new ad buy in Iowa.

Cory Booker’s Iowa New Year Trip

December 31st, 2019 and January 1st, 2020

Tuesday, December 31, 2019

POLK COUNTY
WHO: Senator Cory Booker, State Representative Heather Matson
WHAT: Ankeny Noon Year’s Eve House Party at the Home of Rep. Heather Matson
WHERE: RSVP for Address, Ankeny, IA 50023
WHEN: 10:30 AM CT
DOORS OPEN: 10:00 AM CT
*Public RSVP: click here. https://www.mobilize.us/corybooker/event/181978/

POLK COUNTY
WHO: Senator Cory Booker
WHAT: House Party with Cory Booker in Johnston
WHERE: 6451 N Winwood Dr, Johnston, IA 50131
WHEN: 1:30 PM CT
DOORS OPEN: 1:00 PM CT
*Public RSVP: click here. https://www.mobilize.us/corybooker/event/181981/

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

UNION COUNTY
WHO: Senator Cory Booker
WHAT: Meet and Greet with Cory Booker in Creston
WHERE: Adams Street Espresso 213 W Adams St, Creston, IA 50801
WHEN: 12:00 PM CT
DOORS OPEN: 11:30 AM CT
*Public RSVP: click here. https://www.mobilize.us/corybooker/event/181989/

PAGE COUNTY
WHO: Senator Cory Booker
WHAT: Meet and Greet with Cory Booker in Shenandoah
WHERE: Depot Restaurant & Lounge, 101 N Railroad St, Shenandoah, IA 51601
WHEN: 3:30 PM CT
DOORS OPEN: 3:00 PM CT
*Public RSVP: click here. https://www.mobilize.us/corybooker/event/181983/

DALLAS COUNTY
WHO: Senator Cory Booker
WHAT: Conversation with Cory in Perry
WHERE: Location To Be Announced, Perry, IA
WHEN: 7:30 PM CT
DOORS OPEN: 7:00 PM CT
*Public RSVP: to be announced.