Supreme Court nominee Jackson moved to tears as Sen. Booker tells her 'You are my harbinger of hope'

In a passionate speech,Senator CoryBooker- the only African-Americansenator on theSenate Judiciary Committee, praisedSupremeCourtnomineeKetanji BrownJackson, recalling the historical significance ofhernomination and enthusiastically endorsinghercandidacy.

As he spoke aboutherfamily and listedhercareer highlights, from Harvard Law School, to editor of the law review, toherlegal internships, years as a public proseuctor, federal district judge and federal appellate judge,Bookerbeamed, saying he was embarrassed by the intense questioning by Republicansenators and said he felt intense joy as he thought abouthernomination.

"I look at you, this is why I get emotional. I'm sorry. You're a person who is so much more than your race and gender," he said, asJacksonwiped awaytears. "I see my ancestors and yours. Nobody is going to steal the joy of that woman in the street, or the calls that I'm getting or the texts. Nobody is going to steal that joy. You have earned this spot. You are worthy. You are a great American."

"It's not going to stop. They're going to accuse you of this and that. Heck, in honor of your person who shares your birthday (referring to former New York statesenator Constance Baker Motley), you might be called a communist. But don't worry my sister. Don't worry. God has got you. And how do I know that?Because you'rehere and I know what it's taken for you to sit in that seat," he said.

Bookerthen comparedJacksonto Harriet Tubman, a 19th-century escaped slave who riskedherlife to lead otherslaves to freedom, sayingJacksonwas his "harbinger of hope."

"I thought aboutherand how she looked up, she kept looking up. No matter what they did toher, she never stopped looking up. And that star, it was a harbinger of hope. Today, you are my star.You are my harbinger of hopeThis country is getting better and better and better. And when that final vote happens and you ascend onto the highestcourtof the land, I'm going to rejoice. And I'm going to tell you right now: the greatest country in the world, the United States of America will be better because of you. Thank you."

Jacksonquietly responded, "Thank you," before the hearing took a short recess, before wrapping upherhearing Wednesday (March 23) night.

Outside experts scheduled for Thursday's final day of the hearing.

If confirmed,Jacksonwould be the 116th justice to serve on the highcourt, the sixth woman and the third Black person. WithJacksonon the bench, thecourtfor the first time would have four women and two Black justices.

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