Booker Defends Menendez at Tense Senate Lunch, Urges Compassion Despite Calls for Resignation

Cory Booker gave an impassioned defense of Bob Menendez's character during a closed-door lunch with Democratic senators.

"You gotta hate the sin, but love the sinner," Booker told colleagues, per sources familiar with the discussion.

Most Senate Democrats have called for Menendez to resign, though Booker said to show compassion.

Booker's remarks were met with awkward silence, according to sources.

Booker has long been close with Menendez, previously calling himself "Robin to his Batman."