In a fiery moment that raised eyebrows even among his fellow Democrats, Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) reportedly took to the Senate floor this week with a passionate tirade that quickly became the subject of criticism—particularly from Fox News host Jesse Watters, who questioned whether the display reflected the level-headed leadership Americans expect from their elected officials.
Watters went on to compare Booker’s outburst to the emotions of an irate woman.
Booker, visibly agitated, lambasted his Democratic colleagues, including Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), over a law enforcement bill. “We’re willing to be complicit to Donald Trump,” Booker thundered. “It’s time for Democrats to have a backbone! It’s time for us to fight!”
He continued, in dramatic tones: “Don’t question my integrity! Don’t question my motives! I’m standing for Jersey! I am standing for my police officers! I’m standing for the Constitution! And I am standing for what’s right! And dear God, if you wanna come at me that way, you’re gonna have to take it up with me because there is too much on the line right now in America!”
The display was not well received by all. On Fox News’s The Five, Watters criticized the senator’s speech as unhinged and overly theatrical, especially in contrast to the calm demeanor of past presidents.
“You know who doesn’t yell? Trump. Bush never yelled. Reagan never yelled,” said Watters. Even Barack Obama, his co-hosts noted, generally refrained from such outbursts.
“People always say Trump’s crazy, he’s chaotic,” Watters added. “But when do you ever see him go ‘Ahhhh’? You never see him do that. He’s usually in control.”
Watters emphasized that leaders should embody reason and composure, not emotional volatility. “Men are supposed to be guided by reason. They’re supposed to exhibit tranquility. They’re not supposed to let their emotions get the best of them. That’s what happens with women. Women are [banshee noise]. That’s you. That’s what women do.”
He didn’t stop there. Referring to Booker’s tone, Watters noted, “Cory Booker should not be acting like that on the floor of the U.S. Senate. And I’m not afraid of him. Why is he acting like, what, do you wanna do something? And who’s he talking to? He’s talking to a female colleague. That’s crazy.”
The panel on The Five reacted with a mix of laughter and concern, particularly when co-host Greg Gutfeld cracked, “I don’t think Jesse goes to those bars,” in what may have been a not-so-subtle reference to long-circulated rumors about Booker’s personal life.
Booker’s Senate floor performance, while seemingly meant to galvanize fellow Democrats, has instead reignited questions about temperament and political theatrics at a time when many Americans are looking for sobriety and substance in their leaders.
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