The longest filibuster on record was a 1957 speech by then-Democratic Sen. Strom Thurmond of South Carolina — in opposition to the Civil Rights Act — that lasted for 24 hours and 18 minutes.

Media reported at the time that Thurmond sustained himself with "diced pumpernickel and bits of cooked hamburger" and sips of orange juice. His aides set up a bucket in the cloakroom so he could keep a foot on the Senate floor if he needed to relieve himself.

Listen, if he can knock Strom Thurmond off the leaderboard, I guess that's cool. Other than that, not sure what is to gain out of this. Seems pretty performative to me.

[–] OldSoulHippie@hexbear.net 19 points 1 day ago (4 children)

That's literally it. At least when they teach who has the longest filibuster record, they won't mention Thurmond anymore. I don't remember exactly, but I feel like when I learned that tidbit in school, they left out the part where he was filibustering the civil rights act. They just focused on the feat and the fact that he "cared so deeply about his cause"

[–] edge@hexbear.net 17 points 1 day ago (3 children)

At least when they teach who has the longest filibuster record, they won't mention Thurmond anymore.

But that's a perfect lesson for what the filibuster is and why it continues to exist.

It's a tool for the worst people in government to stop progress even without a majority.

I honestly hope the record isn't broken.

they left out the part where he was filibustering the civil rights act

Although yeah, it's important to include that part.

[–] OldSoulHippie@hexbear.net 1 points 1 day ago

I get where you're coming from, but it would be lost on eighth graders

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