Date of the Union
Check out special guests & politicians' 'seat dates' for tonight's 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.
Here’s a look at some lawmakers' seat dates and special guests of the first lady, including:
John McCain
Republican Arizona Sen. John McCain will sit with Democrat Sen. Tom Udall of New Mexico.
Sen. Kent Conrad
North Dakota Democrat Sen. Kent Conrad will be seated with Texas Republican Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison.
Sen. Mark Kirk
Illinois Republican Sen. Mark Kirk plans to sit with Illinois Democrat Dick Durbin.
Rep. Joe Wilson
Rep. Joe Wilson, R-SC, made a name for himself at the 2010 State of the Union address when he yelled out “you lie!” during President Obama’s speech.He’ll be seated next to California Democrat Rep. Susan DavisRep. Madeleine Bordallo of Guam.
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
Kimberly Munley and Mark Todd are two police officers who were credited with helping to stop the shootings at Fort Hood, Tex., that left 13 dead and dozens wounded.