It's typical for lawmakers to resist clapping during the president's annual State of the Union address when he mentions policies they oppose. But, when the president touches on issues that are clearly bipartisan, both sides of the aisle usually acknowledge it with at least a golf clap. For instance, supporting our military, investing in infrastructure, combating the opioid crisis, and a budding economy can typically be considered bipartisan issues.
Well, the Democrats did stand for some of those things during President Trump's first State of the Union speech, but when it came to the following line, some of these lawmakers, particularly members of the Congressional Black Caucus, remained seated.
“African-American unemployment stands at the lowest rate ever recorded...”
— Sana (@SanaRHuss) January 31, 2018
(Camera moves to audience)
These faces say everything. #sotu pic.twitter.com/zoFaaxcSQO
It puzzled social media. Why would these lawmakers not celebrate such an encouraging statistic?
How do you not clap for African American unemployment reaching record lows? Dems look put out about it #CatoSOTU
— vanessa brown calder (@vanessabcalder) January 31, 2018
Pathetic that the Congressional Black Caucus couldn't stand and celebrate the lowest African American unemployment EVER recorded. #sotu #MAGA
— Rocky Forer (@Rocky4R) January 31, 2018
Unfortunately, there were a few other more poignant moments in which Democrats remained silent and seated.
Entire row of Democrats refusing to stand for family whose two girls were murdered by MS-13 #SOTU
— Katie Pavlich (@KatiePavlich) January 31, 2018