After Mitch McConnell said letter from Coretta Scott King opposing Jeff Sessions broke a rule, her supporters co-opted his own words: ‘Nevertheless, she persisted’

This article is more than 3 years old

This article is more than 3 years old

Soon after Republicans forced Elizabeth Warren to stop reading a letter from Martin Luther King Jr’s widow during a debate on the Republican senator Jeff Sessions’ nomination for US attorney general Tuesday, online support for her galvanized.

Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) I spoke out about @SenatorSessions – until @SenateMajLdr McConnell decided to silence me. https://t.co/qbty7x0iLl

Senator Warren had been reading from a 1986 letter by Coretta Scott King opposing Sessions’ nomination to a federal judgeship, when Republican majority leader Mitch McConnell invoked an arcane rule known as Rule 19, used to stop members from impugning “the conduct” of another sitting senator.

Elizabeth Warren won't be silenced – and neither will American women | Jessica Valenti Read more

McConnell’s move barred Warren from speaking again during the nomination hearings until Sessions’ likely confirmation on Wednesday night, but electrified Democratic colleagues and supporters, who were stunned that King’s words were deemed inappropriate.

McConnell’s move came in the middle of Black History Month, and during a debate on the civil rights record of one of Donald Trump’s most controversial nominees.

Supporters quickly used #LetLizSpeak to vent their indignation.



Rep. Don Beyer (@RepDonBeyer) Last night the GOP silenced @SenWarren as she tried to read the words of Coretta Scott King. Here is that letter: #LetLizSpeak #StopSessions pic.twitter.com/cyJaprbnNO

Liv Senghor (@Liviosah) Looks like Republican snowflakes got #triggered by the words of Coretta Scott King. Happy Black History Month, y'all. #LetLizSpeak

#LetLizSpeak and “Silencing Elizabeth Warren” trended on Twitter hours after McConnell forced Warren to take her seat.

McConnell’s own words on the Senate floor later became a rallying cry, with even former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton getting in a dig.

“Senator Warren was giving a lengthy speech. She had appeared to violate the rule,” said McConnell. “She was warned. She was given an explanation. Nevertheless, she persisted.”

#ShePersisted became a gathering point for examples of American women who broke through barriers in civil rights, space and even in Congress.

Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) "She was warned. She was given an explanation. Nevertheless, she persisted."



So must we all.https://t.co/JXROGHPNkH

Brian Jay Jones (@brianjayjones) “She was warned. She was given an explanation. Nevertheless, she persisted." #ShePersists pic.twitter.com/zibEorqbNq

Oliver Willis (@owillis) She was warned. She was given an explanation Nevertheless #shepersisted. pic.twitter.com/VB4gS4wAnl