Republicans and GOP Lawmakers Cheer Trump as Democrats Refuse to Stand

Breanna Quod, Associate Editor

Republicans repeatedly stood and cheered during Trump’s address to Congress whereas the unenthusiastic Democrats sat staring silently, February 28. The only Democrat to frequently stand and applaud was Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, who is seeking re-election next year in a state that Trump won.

The only response that came from the Democrats seemed to be a few laughs and giggles when Trump announced that he and his team have begun to “drain the swamp” of corrupt Washington. When Trump did declare that he would rebuild the nation’s bridges and highways, however, he was able to scrape a few applauses from the Democrats. That potential job-making venture is an issue that could draw in uncommon bipartisan support in Congress, in spite of the fact that lawmakers may experience difficulty concurring on the most proficient method to pay for the $1 trillion arrangement.

A very powerful and moving speech to honor the first fallen American soldier under Trump’s presidency, Senior Chief William ‘Ryan’ Owens, received a standing ovation for his widow, Carryn Owens:
“We are blessed to be joined tonight by Carryn Owens, the widow of a U.S. Navy special operator, Senior Chief William ‘Ryan’ Owens. Ryan died as he lived: a warrior, and a hero — battling against terrorism and securing our nation,” Trump said, introducing Owens’ widow.

A long, dramatic two-minute standing ovation followed this statement brought about by our President to the sobbing widow, a standing-ovation that the Democratic side of the room shockingly did not participate in. The clearly distraught Carryn Owens was seated next to Ivanka Trump, of whom comforted her as the widow took the national spotlight.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Sen. Al Franken (D-MN), and other Democratic individuals from Congress did stand and applaud on the second round of applause, however numerous others declined to stand and honor Trump’s words of sympathy to the soldiers.

The scene of this event was seen as a fairly noteworthy one: Republicans and Democrats were split into two completely separated segments on either side of the room and were broadcasted on public-viewing outlets such as Facebook Live for all eyes to watch and analyze.

It was a clash between the responses of the two parties – approving Republicans and disapproving Democrats. To some this rather interesting event can be a figurative suggestion to the condition of our nation on socio-political terms.