State of the Union
The State of the Union address is scheduled to air tonight, but it’s the “Date” of the Union that’s all the rage. Dozens of lawmakers have agreed to cross party lines and buddy up with a member of the opposite party, a ceremonial act that aims to show that politicians are willing to put partisanship aside – for a few minutes at least.
One senator joked about it on a political talk show:
“You know, when I was in high school, I always waited too long before the prom to ask for a date, so I haven't done that yet… I'm going to be on the phone today,” he said when asked if he’d found anyone. Who said it? Here’s a look at some lawmakers' seat dates and special guests of the first lady, including:
Sen. John McCain
Sen. Kent Conrad
Sen. Mark Kirk
Rep. Joe Wilson
Daniel Hernandez
Daniel Hernandez, the intern who is credited with helping save the life of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords during the Tucson shooting two weeks ago, is part of a group of nearly two dozen guests to be seated near the first lady. Daniel Hernandez, who turns 21 today, will attend with his father.
The parents of Christina Taylor Green, the 9-year-old girl who died during the Tucson shooting, will also be seated with Michelle Obama.
Kimberly Munley & Mark Todd
