In a political climate demanding bold action, Senator Cory Booker’s centrist approach to diplomacy has drawn growing criticism from the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, which views challenger Lisa McCormick as a necessary force for change.
The tension between these two factions has reached a boiling point, with the clash spilling over into debates about issues ranging from the Gaza conflict to economic justice, revealing a Democratic Party at a crossroads.
Booker has long been known for his political spectacle, using high-profile stunts to draw attention to his causes.
Critics, however, argue that these performances lack real substance.
In April 2025, Booker staged a 25-hour filibuster that detractors, including some of his own colleagues, dismissed as an empty gesture, pointing out that no bill was actually being blocked.
It was a protest without a legislative target, they argued, symbolic rather than substantive.
A non-partisan watchdog, the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT), filed an ethics complaint against Booker, alleging that he violated ethics rules by linking his marathon Senate floor speech with numerous solicitations for campaign contributions.
More recently, Booker made headlines by staging a walkout during a judicial confirmation hearing. He also launched into a fiery tirade against a bipartisan bill aimed at improving police staffing and mental health treatment, a bill that had passed unanimously out of committee.
Senator Amy Klobuchar criticized Booker for skipping the hearing where he could have raised objections, and the New York Post’s editorial board labeled his actions as “pathetic stunts,” arguing that they exposed a party “out of ideas.”
Booker’s history of performative protest stretches back to his time as a Newark city councilman.
In 2002, Booker staged a 10-day hunger strike and lived in a tent to protest crime. While the act generated media attention, critics at the time argued it did little to address the root causes of crime, setting a precedent for style over substance.
On the policy front, Booker’s centrist record has also drawn fire from progressives.
One key point of contention has been his consistent support for arms sales to Israel, despite allegations of such war crimes as genocide.
As the conflict in Gaza rages on, Booker has voted to approve arms packages to Israel, including those containing thousands of bombs and assault rifles. When Senator Bernie Sanders forced votes to block such sales, Booker argued that the resolutions would restrict America’s ability to provide future security guarantees, without ending the war.
By contrast, New Jersey’s junior senator, Andy Kim, voted against the sales, citing concerns that the weapons would only prolong the suffering in Gaza.
Another area where Booker’s centrist approach has come under scrutiny is his co-sponsorship of the “Opportunity Zone” program, which he helped introduce with Republican Senator Tim Scott.
The program, which was meant to spur investment in poor communities, has been criticized for benefiting wealthy investors and accelerating gentrification.
A 2020 study found that the program primarily passed tax benefits to existing landowners, with little evidence of significant value creation in the targeted communities. Even Booker has acknowledged that the program was misused, stating that it was never intended to enrich political supporters.
Amid Booker’s record of compromise, Lisa McCormick has emerged as a central figure for New Jersey’s progressive wing.
In 2018, McCormick challenged Senator Bob Menendez in the Democratic primary, earning nearly 160,000 votes. Now, she is gaining traction as a challenger to Booker, with some describing her as “the closest thing New Jersey has produced to compare with Senator Bernie Sanders.”
McCormick’s platform sharply contrasts with Booker’s.
On economic justice, she advocates for a $50 million cap on personal wealth, a 90% top tax rate, and a $20 minimum wage, while Booker’s approach has been more moderate, endorsing programs like the Opportunity Zones, which have faced significant criticism for benefiting the wealthy.
In foreign policy, McCormick implicitly condemns the status quo, calling for a restriction of military aid, including to Israel, while Booker has consistently supported arms sales, prioritizing security guarantees.
On political reform, McCormick supports a constitutional amendment to eliminate big money in politics and establish public campaign financing—an area where Booker has not taken a strong stance.
McCormick also champions Medicare for All and tuition-free public college, funded by taxing extreme wealth, while Booker says he supports single-payer healthcare but has not pushed for action on that legislation or demonstrated interest in tuition-free higher education.
The growing rift between Booker and McCormick is more than just a battle between two politicians; it represents a larger question about the future of the Democratic Party.
As the party grapples with issues of economic inequality and foreign policy, does it continue with Booker’s pragmatic centrist approach, or does it embrace the unapologetic, populist economic agenda of McCormick and her allies?
For progressives, the choice is clear.
McCormick has framed the issue in stark terms, declaring, “If we are going to get there, we need every last supporter to step up, but victory is within reach.”
They view Booker’s brand of centrism as a failed strategy—one that fails to energize the party’s base or deliver transformative change.
They argue that as long as the Democratic Party remains tethered to figures like Booker, it risks alienating a growing segment of the electorate that demands a more progressive, uncompromising approach.
As this battle within the Democratic Party intensifies, the challenge from the left is not fading. It is crystallizing into a clear demand for a braver, bolder political agenda.
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