We knew we weren't going to get many bipartisan kumbaya moments in the House chamber on Tuesday night. After all, President Trump is still under impeachment. But, as Trump gave his third State of the Union address, he touted some successes that anyone - Republican, Democrat, or Independent - could have applauded. Instead, we got scenes like this.
A majority of Democrats remain seated without applause when Trump announces a scholarship for a 9-year-old child. #SOTU
— Henry Rodgers (@henryrodgersdc) February 5, 2020
In fact, Katie compiled a roundup of the times the Democrats remained seated for no apparent reason other than bitterness.
So to recap tonight Dems:
— Katie Pavlich (@KatiePavlich) February 5, 2020
-Refused to clap for a 9-year-old girl receiving a scholarship
-Refused to clap for lower unemployment across all demographics
-Many Dems didn’t clap for a Tuskegee Airman
-Refused to clap when Trump took on insurance companies
-Etc.
The slight against the Tuskegee Airman especially irked viewers. Reps. Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar and Mark Pocan were spotted among the small group that didn't stand for him. Pelosi and other Democrats also remained seated and stone-faced as radio host Rush Limbaugh received the presidential Medal of Freedom, a day after he announced he had advanced lung cancer.
But one senator stood above the pettiness. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) was proud to applaud the president's work on opportunity zones. More investments are heading toward 9,000 previously underserved communities, Trump noted, thanks in large part to the leadership of Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC). Sinema stood and acknowledged the success.
Democratic senator Kyrsten Sinema gives a standing ovation after Trump commends GOP Sen. Tim Scott for work on opportunity zones. pic.twitter.com/CPjxbgfIIG
— Axios (@axios) February 5, 2020
For fun, take a look at Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand's (D-NY) reaction. It was like she was embarrassed to be sitting by her.
Sen. Scott thanked his colleague for her kind kudos.
Thanks Kyrsten! Working across the aisle on good ideas shouldn’t be such a foreign concept. https://t.co/wgb578vsvO
— Tim Scott (@SenatorTimScott) February 5, 2020
And she had no regrets.
Couldn’t be prouder to support your work transforming communities, and lucky to call you a friend. https://t.co/wtLtKLwERH
— Kyrsten Sinema (@kyrstensinema) February 5, 2020
Rumor has it that Sinema is even considering voting to acquit the president on Wednesday. She'll be in the majority if she does. Come 4 p.m., the Senate is expected to acquit Trump on abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.