Cory Booker says Lindsey Graham ‘got things done’ in bipartisan tribute
Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) reflected on his unlikely friendship with teh late Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and highlighted Graham’s significant role in advancing criminal justice reform after his death. Booker recalled reaching out to Graham about working together on reform efforts, but Graham was initially unable to participate due to a primary campaign. After winning his primary, Graham collaborated with Booker and others to pass the First Step Act in 2018, a bipartisan bill focused on reducing federal prison sentences and improving rehabilitation programs. Booker shared a memorable negotiation moment where Graham supported a provision on solitary confinement for children,emphasizing Graham’s unpredictable but effective leadership style. Booker described Graham as an unexpectedly close friend and expressed his sorrow over his passing, acknowledging the positive impact they had made together.
Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) reflected on his unlikely friendship with the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and on Graham’s role in advancing criminal justice reform following his death.
In a social media video, Booker recalled approaching Graham about working together on criminal justice reform, only to be told that Graham was facing a difficult primary fight and could not publicly engage at the time.
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“I’m in a primary right now, and I’m running against a guy who is bat**** crazy. I can’t even so much as talk to you right now,” Booker recalled Graham telling him. “Come back to me after my primary.”
Booker said he returned after the primary, and Graham followed through, working alongside Booker, Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), and other lawmakers to help pass what became the First Step Act.
Signed into law in 2018 by President Donald Trump, the First Step Act was a bipartisan criminal justice reform package aimed at reducing certain federal prison sentences, expanding rehabilitation programs, and providing incentives for incarcerated individuals to participate in programs designed to reduce recidivism.
Booker said one of his most memorable moments during negotiations came when he pushed for a provision addressing the use of solitary confinement for children. After a disagreement with a White House official, Booker recalled that the official threatened to call Graham to settle the dispute.
According to Booker, Graham quickly sided with the effort to include the provision.
“Are you kidding me? We need Cory Booker to get this bill done. We can’t do it without him. Give him what he wants,” Booker recalled Graham saying.
The provision ultimately became part of the legislation, Booker said.
Booker also recalled a description from one White House negotiator who compared Graham’s unpredictable negotiating style to an “unguided missile” — someone whose position could be difficult to predict but who could accomplish major goals when focused on a cause.
“He could get things done that other people couldn’t,” Booker said.
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Booker described Graham as “perhaps my most unexpected friend in the Senate,” saying he would miss the South Carolina senator and praying that Graham was reunited with his longtime friend, the late Sen. John McCain.
“I will miss my perhaps most unexpected friend in the Senate, and someone with whom I got some good things done,” Booker said.
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