Juana Summers

It's Consider This from NPR.

Senator Cory Booker's new book is called Stand.

It is not about the politics of the current moment, not directly, but it is an argument for moral principles, for 10 virtues he sees as critical to American life, like agency and patriotism, but also vulnerability and humility.

He illustrates them with historical examples.

So I had to ask, you opened by talking about the concept of virtue, and some people might find that to be a sort of curious choice given the tenor of our political rhetoric right now.

Say more about that choice.

I think we've all heard the term virtue signaling as a criticism of empty rhetoric.

What do you say to people, to critics out there who might point out that you're giving speeches and writing a book at a moment that demands urgent, coordinated action?

I mean, you're a leader in your party and there is so much debate right now over how to meet the urgency of this moment.

So I want to ask you, Senator, is the Democratic Party doing enough to meet the moment right now?

You have in the past said that your party, the Democratic Party, it needs change and a new generation of leaders to stand up to President Trump and Republicans.

So I want to ask you about the leadership in the Senate.

Is Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer the right leader for the moment?

Should Senator Schumer still be that leader after November?

You ran for president back in 2020, and I spent some time with you on the campaign trail.

But you were also frequently mentioned as a potential Democratic presidential candidate in 2028.

What's on your mind?

What are you weighing as you make that choice?

What do you think the Democratic Party's most urgent challenge is today?

New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, his new book is Stand.