{"id":2628926,"date":"2026-07-12T18:30:02","date_gmt":"2026-07-12T22:30:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/cory-booker-says-lindsey-graham-got-things-done-in-bipartisan-tribute\/"},"modified":"2026-07-12T18:32:05","modified_gmt":"2026-07-12T22:32:05","slug":"cory-booker-says-lindsey-graham-got-things-done-in-bipartisan-tribute","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/cory-booker-says-lindsey-graham-got-things-done-in-bipartisan-tribute\/","title":{"rendered":"Cory Booker says Lindsey Graham \u2018got things done\u2019 in bipartisan tribute"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">22<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fcory-booker-says-lindsey-graham-got-things-done-in-bipartisan-tribute%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2628926&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) reflected on his unlikely friendship with teh late Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and highlighted Graham&#8217;s significant role in <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >advancing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/white-house-releases-list-of-president-trumps-accomplishments-and-it-is-historic\/\" title=\"White House Releases List of President Trump\u2019s Accomplishments \u2013  And It Is Historic!\">criminal justice reform<\/a><\/a> 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/oregon-drug-traffickers-with-ties-to-calif-colo-mexico-sentenced-to-prison-washington-examiner\/\" title=\"Oregon drug traffickers with ties to Calif., Colo., Mexico sentenced to prison - Washington Examiner\">federal prison sentences<\/a> and improving rehabilitation programs. Booker shared a memorable negotiation moment where Graham supported a provision on solitary confinement for children,emphasizing Graham&#8217;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.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<article class=\"fn-body\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/cory-booker\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"501\">Sen. Cory Booker <\/a>(D-NJ) reflected on his unlikely friendship with the late\u00a0Sen. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/lindsey-graham\/\">Lindsey Graham<\/a> (R-SC) and on Graham\u2019s role in advancing criminal justice reform following his death.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In a <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/CoryBooker\/status\/2076303529182978526\">social media video<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n<section class=\"explore-more-section\" id=\"wex-recommended-widget\">\n<div class=\"magazine-container single\">\n<h1 class=\"magazine-title mt-2\">Recommended Stories<\/h1>\n<p>             <i class=\"fa-solid fa-play icon\"><\/i>         <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-grid\">\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/senate\/4645468\/patel-fbi-local-authorities-lindsey-graham-death\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Patel says FBI helping local authorities after Lindsey Graham\u2019s sudden death<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/white-house\/4645304\/trump-lindsey-graham-senate-replacement\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Trump says \u2018I have somebody\u2019 to replace Lindsey Graham after senator\u2019s death<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/white-house\/4645293\/trump-lindsey-graham-tired-phone-call-death\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Trump says Lindsey Graham was \u2018a little tired\u2019 in phone call \u2018shortly before\u2019 death<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">I am stunned  by Senator Graham&#8217;s passing, and thinking back this morning  about some of the work we did together. My prayers are with his family and all who cherished him. Rest in Peace. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/cPUXDQxk1B\">pic.twitter.com\/cPUXDQxk1B<\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\u2014 Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/CoryBooker\/status\/2076303529182978526?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">July 12, 2026<\/a><\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><script data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/cdn-cgi\/scripts\/5c5dd728\/cloudflare-static\/email-decode.min.js\"><\/script><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script> <\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI\u2019m in a primary right now, and I\u2019m running against a guy who is bat**** crazy. I can\u2019t even so much as talk to you right now,\u201d Booker recalled Graham telling him. \u201cCome back to me after my primary.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-1\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-1\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-15\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Booker said he returned after the primary, and Graham followed through, working alongside Booker,<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/dick-durbin\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"1010\"> Sen. Dick Durbin (<\/a>D-IL), and other lawmakers to help pass what became the First Step Act.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Signed into law in 2018 by<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/donald-trump\/\"> President Donald Trump<\/a>, <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/supreme-court\/4589108\/supreme-court-another-case-the-first-step-act-by-inmate\/\">the First Step Act<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-2\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-2\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-16\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-2\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to Booker, Graham quickly sided with the effort to include the provision.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAre you kidding me? We need Cory Booker to get this bill done. We can\u2019t do it without him. Give him what he wants,\u201d Booker recalled Graham saying.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The provision ultimately became part of the legislation, Booker said.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-3\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-3\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-17\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Booker also recalled a description from one White House negotiator who compared Graham\u2019s unpredictable negotiating style to an \u201cunguided missile\u201d \u2014 someone whose position could be difficult to predict but who could accomplish major goals when focused on a cause.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHe could get things done that other people couldn\u2019t,\u201d Booker said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/4645305\/democrats-annie-andrews-graham-south-carolina-senate\/\"><strong>DEMOCRATS SEE OPENING AFTER GRAHAM\u2019S DEATH SHAKES UP SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE RACE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-4\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-4\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-25\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-4\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Booker described Graham as \u201cperhaps my most unexpected friend in the Senate,\u201d saying he would miss the South Carolina senator and praying that Graham was reunited with his longtime friend, the late Sen. John McCain.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI will miss my perhaps most unexpected friend in the Senate, and someone with whom I got some good things done,\u201d Booker said.<\/p>\n<\/article>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Booker recalls friendship with Graham, criminal justice efforts<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3970,"featured_media":2628927,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/image-collage-lf4lj3pg6-1783893024137-e1783893608176.jpg?1783878674&amp;w=696","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651],"tags":[3667,44753,4762,32283,5894],"class_list":["post-2628926","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","tag-bipartisan","tag-cory-booker","tag-legislation","tag-lindsey-graham","tag-politics"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/image-collage-lf4lj3pg6-1783893024137-e1783893608176.jpg?1783878674&amp;w=696","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2628926","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3970"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2628926"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2628926\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2628930,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2628926\/revisions\/2628930"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2628927"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2628926"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2628926"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2628926"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}