Politics

Tradition Break: Sens. Coburn & Schumer Plan to Sit Together for State of the Union

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two senators from different parties say they‘ll skip tradition and sit together during President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address.

The decision by Republican Tom Coburn of Oklahoma and Democrat Chuck Schumer of New York comes amid calls for greater civility in political discourse following the fatal shootings last weekend at a political event in Tucson, Ariz.

Schumer says he and Coburn hope other lawmakers will follow their example and skip the partisan seating arrangements that usually come with joint sessions of Congress. Schumer says it’s a symbolic move but one he hopes will help set a more civil tone.

The State of the Union address is set for Jan. 25.

Coburn and Schumer spoke Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press”:

Comments (87)

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  • kreese
    Posted on January 16, 2011 at 10:48pm

    I hope the Tea Party members don’t forget how they got there. COMPROMISE! How can you compromise with Marxists and Socialists?

    Report Post »  
  • keenwhiz
    Posted on January 16, 2011 at 9:46pm

    How pathetic. We want our team sitting in their own dugout. This is precisely why McCain lost the election with his milk toast approach, the American people want a strong leader. Get back on your side of the isle!

    Report Post » keenwhiz  
  • Lucifers Hammer
    Posted on January 16, 2011 at 9:15pm

    If libs thought this was a good idea they would have done it when they had all three houses. Now that the opposition is in power on the House, they don’t want the country to see that the citizens are once again regaining control from the progressive elite. They want to break up the block of power and visually make it look smaller. If republicans go along with this…they are as stupid as we all think they are.

    Report Post » Lucifers Hammer  
  • psst
    Posted on January 16, 2011 at 8:48pm

    Gee Sen Coburn. And I thought you were presidential material.
    I just gave myself 20 lashes.
    Well!! The Stupid Party just keep on keeping on living up to their name sake.. The Stupid Party.
    Now watch how the marxist MSM give him accolades.
    Until he decides to run for re-election.
    The Stupid Party strikes again.And again. And again.

    Report Post »  
  • retriever
    Posted on January 16, 2011 at 8:26pm

    It is time to remind the stupid politicians who voted them in and who will vote them out if they don’t get their head on straight. I can’t believe the these people, who are supposed to be the best and the brightest are so dumb.

    Report Post »  
  • Fabian_Hunter
    Posted on January 16, 2011 at 8:25pm

    TWO more Kumbaya Congressional IDIOTS from the TWO HEADED MONSTER that will destroy our REPUBLIC!!!

    Report Post » Fabian_Hunter  
  • ladyda
    Posted on January 16, 2011 at 8:22pm

    Go ahead and sit together and you can have a “civil tone” as you (Republican’s) dismantle these damaging laws and mandates, and STOP the insane spending (yes, I said insane)…woo, and stand firm for our Constitution, freedom and liberties. STAND STRONG… we have no time to waste.

    Oh, and watch out for Lib code talk “civil equals caving”.

    Report Post » ladyda  
  • STUCKIN-NV
    Posted on January 16, 2011 at 8:18pm

    I think it makes the right look weak as well! Stupid RINO”S dont they get it what is going on B>O> is playing them again!!!!!

    Report Post »  
  • pedwards59
    Posted on January 16, 2011 at 8:16pm

    I think it makes the right look weak.. but so do they, we need another election soon, they just dont get it..

    Report Post »  
  • Neil Mariner
    Posted on January 16, 2011 at 8:00pm

    I don’t care if they sit together. They all think the same way. There the elite and the rest of us pay for them. If you don’t believe me. Start reading. If you don’t want to read, sit back and take thre sh-t.

    Report Post »  
  • Whostolemypig
    Posted on January 16, 2011 at 7:50pm

    “What we can’t question is the president’s love for our country,” said Coburn of Oklahoma, later adding: “When we get in trouble is when we question motive rather than ideology.
    .
    Don’t question motive? That’s an interesting concept! We are to sit back, listen intently and buy into what is said, at face value. In other words, presidents and congressional leaders are “ALWAYS” truthful, “ALWAYS” have the a selfless agenda. We are “ALWAYS” supposed to take the bait, hook, line and sinker. No thanks friends, I can’t buy into that one. Regardless of who is in power, be it democrat or republican history have recorded the fallacy of that statement.
    .
    Take a long look at the pork in “EVERY” bill that passes through congress. Special interest legislation is hidden in most every bill that is presented for vote. These clowns will take something like the health care bill and one legislator will want an amendment added to pay for the removal of a wart from the left hind tit on farmer Brown’s cow. There’s always the hidden agenda, always something hidden that does not directly apply to the bill as publicly advertised.
    .
    We hear more and more calls for transparency in government, but see more and more attempts to hide things from public view. The reason you see so much mud slinging from both democrats and republicans is that they all have so much dirt on each other, that one tries to bury this own dirt under the dirt of another. It’s called cover your ass politics.
    .
    Politicians are like teenagers, they’ll go off on wild tangents and tell all manner of lies to get what they want. They don’t come back from their flights of fantasy until someone gets their attention.

    Report Post »  
  • LOVESTHECONSTITUTION
    Posted on January 16, 2011 at 7:46pm

    Americans voted in November to stop liberal statists in their tracks. Our elected officials need to get the job done and show their strength. No compromise. No appeasement.

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  • copper
    Posted on January 16, 2011 at 7:46pm

    This is an attempt by the Left to disguise the fact that they lost so many seats. When the Dems stand to cheer their Feckless leader no one will notice how many republicans don‘t and it will encourage many to stand who otherwise wouldn’t.

    DIVIDE and CONQUER. The Republicans who fall for this nonsense might as well sit with them at least we will know who they are. And we will see they have overcooked noodles for spines.

    Report Post »  
  • JohnnyJT
    Posted on January 16, 2011 at 7:44pm

    Maybe they will Hold Hands.

    Report Post » South Philly Boy  
  • Damocracy
    Posted on January 16, 2011 at 7:41pm

    Add your comments

    Report Post » Damocracy  
  • Damocracy
    Posted on January 16, 2011 at 7:41pm

    these old timer, long timers in the congress left and right are great friends,,they go to the same country clubs,,eat at the same upscale restaurants,and party together,,so dont believe this BS,that this is bipartisan,,and this is civil,,they are putting on a dog and pony show once again for you and me,,,dont buy this rubbish,,wait,,that wasnt very civil of me to say that,,,I hope the language police dont read this.

    Report Post » Damocracy  
    • psst
      Posted on January 16, 2011 at 8:52pm

      Yep.
      Rubbish is a very threathening word.Better watch it.
      That’s what the guys who picks up my rubbish tells me.

      Report Post »  
  • Donkey Poo
    Posted on January 16, 2011 at 7:39pm

    Attack Dog Gregory at his best. Very bad answer by the guy on the right.

    Report Post » MoreC02  
  • Alvin691
    Posted on January 16, 2011 at 7:38pm

    Coburn is falling for it. Lookup Delphi Technique, and how to defeat it.

    Report Post »  
  • donh2
    Posted on January 16, 2011 at 7:32pm

    Cornhole should sit on Chuckkky’s lap and tell him why the color yellow makes him so sad…. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEbzM2FUP9s

    Report Post »  
  • crossdraw
    Posted on January 16, 2011 at 7:16pm

    Will Schumer be in a dress? A little Bo Peep dress with all the trimmings. Visualize that people. Are you grinning. Hope so.

    Report Post »  
  • jagr1850
    Posted on January 16, 2011 at 6:36pm

    are they going to senator olympia snowes house for a pajamaa party after the speech ?

    Report Post » jagr1850  
    • psst
      Posted on January 16, 2011 at 8:49pm

      Nope! Susan Collins.

      Report Post »  
    • EP46
      Posted on January 17, 2011 at 6:12am

      The jammie party would probably be at Barney”s house…never know what he has in his basement.

      Report Post »  
  • APatriotFirst
    Posted on January 16, 2011 at 6:26pm

    Time to send E-mails and suggst seating arrangements stay as they are.

    Report Post »  
    • EP46
      Posted on January 17, 2011 at 5:55am

      @APATRIOTFIRST
      I agree. Watch the other hand.

      COULD this ‘i love u…u love me’ moment be because with a GREATER # OF REPUBLICANS in attendance ….with the separation….it MIGHT LOOK like OBAMA is NOT GETTING enough “fired up..ready to go” members hootin’ and hollerin” for him ???

      Why not just let the Dem. wear SLOGAN Tee Shirts saying “Yes We Can” and the Republican can wear shirts saying “NO You Won’t”

      Report Post »  
    • Strictlybusiness
      Posted on January 17, 2011 at 9:32am

      IT’S TIME that EVERYONE STOP talking about how the whole world is going to change because one weirdo shot people in AZ. The republicans BETTER remember why they were voted into office!!!!!!!! There is work to be done in congress and the freaks on the left would love a kinder and gentler congress NOW THAT THEY DON’T CONTROL THE HOUSE, and Issaa is about to start investigating all the crooked crap the left has done the last 6 years and especially these last 2 years since the SOCIALSTS & COMMY’S took over the DEMS party completely…Npw IS NO TIME FOR KINDER AND GENTELER. The hell with that, I DON’T see anyone on the left doing anything about the threats on Sarah Palin . The left is wicked and they are full of hate and contempt for the average American Patriot. NO KINDER GENTELER TONE, NO REACHING ACROSS THE ISLE, NO COMPRIMISE, NO FORGETTING THAT THE LEFT IS FULL OF ADMITTED COMMUNISTS, PROGESSIVES (which is the same as Socialists / communists) It was ONLY 25 years ago that the U.S.S.R was THE REAL ENEMY and communists were known for who and what they are. But over the last 21/2 decades the NEA has worked their agenda into the PUBLIC SCHOOLS and now nothing is taught about communism, or socialism in our schools and our Government is riddled with these animals.

      Report Post » Strictlybusiness  
  • dontbotherme
    Posted on January 16, 2011 at 6:18pm

    We, the right should not appease the left. I wholeheartedly agree. I’ve always wondered why they sit divided. I’ve been embarrassed by my representatives in the past when one side of the isle gives a standing ovation while the other sits on their hands. I wish they would have done this for Bush too.

    Report Post »  
  • Mary M. Tebbe
    Posted on January 16, 2011 at 5:55pm

    I think the right does not need to appease the left. There is a great difference between democrats and Republicans. Leave well enough alone. We don’t need a NEW SEATING CHART. It demeans the right in my view to think that they have to cozy up to their opponents.

    Report Post » Mary M. Tebbe  
    • TrueGrit
      Posted on January 17, 2011 at 6:37am

      Schumer is one of the best Marketing Senators out there.
      Always comes in with something to make him look good. Dangerously clever.

      And a really LEFT Wolf in Sheeps clothing. Maybe a Snake is better as a symbol of his
      true personality.

      Say what ‘they’ want to hear and use any opportunity to make myself look good.

      Wolverine

      Report Post »  
  • Bronco II
    Posted on January 16, 2011 at 5:42pm

    Is this suppose to shock us Coburn and Schumer please give me a break Coburn will be sitting on his proper side for a change.

    Report Post » Bronco II  
    • FormerLib
      Posted on January 16, 2011 at 8:19pm

      Why do I have the feeling that this move to ‘demonstrate civility’ will mean it will be Coburn, not Schumer, moving? Why doesn‘t he just sit on Schumer’s lap?

      Once again, Republicans miss the entire point of winning. What a shock.

      Report Post »  
    • avenger
      Posted on January 16, 2011 at 8:35pm

      whoopeee…chuck you schumer loves coburn..when are these people going to wake up !

      Report Post »  
    • BLACKDIAMONDSKIER
      Posted on January 16, 2011 at 9:06pm

      All is good in Congress…right???? There are two separate paths that this country has to choose between. They are in opposite directions. Sitting together is just another visual symbol of the big pile of BS we have to put up with. Sitting together in and of itself is a lie. I had rather them yell curse words at one another from across the isle and tell each other to shove it. AT LEAST THAT WOULD BE HONEST. I mean come on, do you really desire to sit next to someone that has a worldview that makes you sick to your stomach. Or how about someone that smiles at you, but inside their heart they really have hatred for you and your belief system. I don’t know many people that would.

      Report Post »  
    • click4cheapandeasyweb
      Posted on January 17, 2011 at 12:18am

      Although its been explained a hundred times over the past few days, I still don’t see the logic in this fake “we are the world” moment.

      Report Post »  
    • Polwatcher
      Posted on January 17, 2011 at 5:09am

      Count me out of the audience. I don’t like show and tell when it is 100% phoney.

      Report Post »  
    • Colonial Revolutionary
      Posted on January 17, 2011 at 7:11am

      Now that they lost the House they want to be civil. The dems just don’t want the American public to actually see the visual of the shellacking they got or hear what sounds like golf claps when they cheer anything Obozo says. I mean if the camera pans back and shows the two sides which side is going to obviously be larger.

      Report Post » Colonial Revolutionary  
    • Jackers
      Posted on January 17, 2011 at 7:26am

      Big deal! Sitting together is just a show as most members of both parties think the same anyway…

      What we’re lacking in America today is a true Conservative Party. Americans are getting tired of Liberals and Liberal Lights… I believe it’s time for a third party.

      Report Post » Jackers  
    • Lucy Larue
      Posted on January 17, 2011 at 7:42am

      It is just sad reading some of the “comments” here.
      Bronco II,
      Why would you ever make the comment that Sen. Coburn will finally be sitting on the “proper” side of the aisle? What are you inferring? Do you think that he’s a RINO?
      Many here followed suit with Bronco II. Why?
      Sen. Coburn has been one of the loudest and most consistent voices to “KILL” Obamacare, and to pay down the debt.
      I doubt that sitting next to Chuck or any other Dem. is going to change his core beliefs! Coburn is one of the good guys.
      Those who disparaged the Senator with their comments actually prove that you do not know anything about his advocacy to get this country back on track.
      It seems to me that negative comments should be directed at the inexcusable interview tactics of David Gregory.
      And no…,I’m not from Oklahoma! And no…, I do not think that a Kumbiyah seating chart for the “State of the Union” is a good idea.
      I just hope that those who posted negatively will google Coburn and learn a little about him.
      They say that ignorance is bliss. Sometimes it’s just ignorance.

      Report Post »  
    • Patriot12
      Posted on January 17, 2011 at 10:38am

      Our politicians today are stupid. I dont like any of them. They cannot even recognize the real problems. They are to busy runing around being busy bodies.

      How can they not recognize that this Arizona situation has NOTHING to do with any of this crap they are talking about.

      They should start talking about the Oklahoma City bombing again. It had more to do with rhetoric and the hate of the government than the Arizona shooting.

      Close the border, deport the illegals, quit doing business with China, nuke Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq, get our boys home, spend time raising your children, then maybe in about twenty years things will change for the better.

      I am sick of political BS!

      Time for term limits in EVERY political position.

      Report Post »  
    • jzs
      Posted on January 17, 2011 at 10:43am

      Mathew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.

      Report Post » jzs  
    • FormerLib
      Posted on January 17, 2011 at 10:44am

      Lucy, Coburn may well be ‘one of the good guys’ but he’s acting stupidly here. He‘s bought into the premise that both sides are guilty of ’incivility’, when it is demonstrably not true. It is leftists who have created this ‘climate’ they now want to blame on conservatives, and then piously extend the hand of reconciliation. The only ignorance being displayed is by any so-called conservative who would have any of it for one second. Libs have a history of using one hand to pat the back of their ‘friends across the aisle’ and shove the knife in with the other. To heck with them. We won, they lost, too bad.

      Report Post »  
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