Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) on Friday announced that he would be seeking the Democratic nomination for president to challenge President Donald Trump in 2020, according to The Washington Post.
“Cory Booker is a force of nature,” @VanJones68 after the New Jersey senator announces 2020 presidential run.
“He’s not a normal candidate. He’s somebody who brings an extra gear when it comes to energy and empathy.” https://t.co/PDDXctVfN8 pic.twitter.com/XdMANVguV4
— CNN This Morning (@CNNThisMorning) February 1, 2019
Booker made his announcement by sending an email and video to his supporters. He has interviews scheduled throughout the day on Friday.
Booker said in his video:
“The history of our nation is defined by collective action; by interwoven destinies of slaves and abolitionists; of those born here and those who chose America as home; of those who took up arms to defend our country, and those who linked arms to challenge and change it.”
“I believe that we can build a country where no one is forgotten, no one is left behind; where parents can put food on the table; where there are good paying jobs with good benefits in every neighborhood; where our criminal justice system keeps us safe, instead of shuffling more children into cages and coffins; where we see the faces of our leaders on television and feel pride, not shame.”
Booker is 49 years old and first began his political career by running for mayor of Newark, N.J. in 2002. He has long been considered a potential presidential candidate, so his announcement comes as no surprise.
In the video announcing his candidacy, Booker spoke of his childhood in New Jersey, one that he says distinguishes him from others in the Senate — as well as from his competitors in the presidential race.
“When I was a baby, my parents tried to move us into a neighborhood with great public schools, but Realtors wouldn’t sell us a home because of the color of our skin,” he said. “A group of white lawyers, who had watched the courage of civil rights activists, were inspired to help black families in their own community, including mine. And they changed the course of my entire life. Because in America, courage is contagious.
“My Dad told me, ‘Boy, never forget where you came from, or how many people had to sacrifice to get you where you are.’ ”
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