Senator Cory Booker tells Stephen Colbert his family reminded him 'this country will treat you differently'
New Jersey Senator Cory Booker recently said he was "embarrassed" he wasn't there with the protesters who were sprayed with tear gas so President Trump could have a photo-op in front of a church. Senator Booker revealed his views on the current protests that have engulfed the US following the death of George Floyd on the June 4 episode of 'The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.'
"It is sad, hurtful, scary," he said revealing that he had recently thought twice about putting shorts and a t-shirt to go home. Booker spoke of how when he was growing up, he was almost six feet by the age of 12-13 and his family started to educate him on how he would "make people scared or uncomfortable." He said he was reminded that a "misunderstanding could mean death." "Now I'm having the same conversation with my nephews," said Booker emphasizing how he was always told, "this country [America] will treat you differently." Speaking on the current protests Booker explained how he's emotionally raw and it's "so good to see their [protesters] anger."
As Colbert and Booker continued to speak of the current injustices and as an advocate of "no one is above the law," Booker spoke of his motto when it came to taking action. "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere," he said. The Senator also said that he will fight for this so the kids in his life don't have to wonder "am I safe?" when on a jog. While Colbert expressed how he finds Trump to be the "least equipped leader" right now, he also asked Booker about the reasons he supports Joe Biden.
Colbert asked Booker if he thought Biden was doing enough at this time, to which he replied, "who is doing enough with the injustice that exists?" explaining how injustices have continued to happen regardless. Booker explained how he loved Biden's approach: "I'm not perfect, but I'll grow and listen. I don't have all the answers but I will build a team and we'll work together to get it right." Wanting to tear down oppression, Booker continued to speak of experiences he's had and what he knows about the African-American arrest records and statistics to make a point. As for actions, Booker spoke of his plans for police reform and "qualified immunity" with a powerful explanation. You can see the clip here.
The New Jersey Senator made his stance on the current circumstances America is going through, "I'm hoping this is a period of America where we somehow come to a deeper love and where our circles of empathy expand." Airing his thoughts about the POTUS, Booker said "You can't beat Trump by being more like him."
'The Late Show With Stephen Colbert' airs weekdays on CBS.
