Congress is full of weird and wacky rules that come around every now and then, spicing up CSPAN. One of the strangest traditions is the art of filibuster, or speaking indefinitely to prevent a final vote on a bill. They usually come paired with controversially charged votes dealing with civil rights, public debt, and the military. How long could they possibly last?
Different senators have different tactics. Some read the phone book, some read their favorite recipes or menus, and other simply read the Declaration of independence. A more creative politician can write their own work of fiction and read it for the riveted crowd. The goal is to push the filibuster so long that everyone leaves and the vote can't take place.
The award for the longest filibuster of all time goes to U.S. Senator Strom Thurmond of South Carolina. Unfortunately, it wasn't for a just cause, since he was trying to block the Civil Rights Act of 1957. He spoke for 24 hours and 18 minutes, starting at 8:54 p.m. August 28 and finished at 9:12 p.m on he 29th. He recited the Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, President George Washington's farewell address and various other historical documents.
After his death it was revealed that he had fathered a half-black daughter. I guess he wasn't looking out for her best interests.
