Better than the Superbowl! Cooler than the Oscars!
February 26th, 2009 by Murray Huppin
I have just returned from attending President Obama’s 1st State of the Union Address. As a life-long political “junkie,” this was the ultimate rock concert. Whatever your political affiliation, to personally eye-witness all of the leaders of our country – the President, Congress, Supreme Court, Joint Chiefs and Ambassador corps – standing together to applaud their mutual commitment to the future of America was incredibly powerful. (Okay, the Supreme Court did not stand, but they did clap softly).
Though I have been to Washington DC and the Capitol many times, even now, the event was so surreal, I have a whirlwind of images and recollections floating through my mind.
Among the standout memories for me was the walk through the tunnel from the Longworth office building to the House chamber with my representative, Washington State 5th District Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers. We took the “Members Only” elevator (talk about a once-in-a-lifetime experience) to go up – she and the other members getting off on the 2nd floor, me on the third floor gallery level. I thought I was going to ride alone up the one extra floor, but fortunately, a member of the Capitol Police force escorted me and made sure I did not get lost (as if that was possible!).
Later Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers and Senator Patty Murray (also of Washington State!), by virtue of their leadership positions within their respective parties, ushered President Obama into the chamber. Go Washington State!
In my section (in the back corner of the gallery on the “Joe Biden” side) sitting just to my right, were two servicemen whose injuries left them wheelchair bound. It was a privilege for me to thank them for their service and honor their sacrifice in a moment where I was bursting with my own patriotism. Sitting just behind at my right shoulder was a kind gentleman who helped straighten out my suit – only after we chatted for a few moments did I learn that he was Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s husband.
The speech itself was a complete blur. Between the people watching, clapping, standing and heat of the lights it was total sensory overload.
Once the address was over, the guests on the gallery level waited about thirty minutes for the House floor to be cleared before we were allowed to exit. Heading down the stairs, I found myself in the Rotunda which had been transformed into what can only be described as a press conference room on steroids. Every major network and news agency had an interview booth and the place was teaming with officials talking to the media. I rubbed shoulders with Captain Chesley Sullenberger and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, nearly bumped into Secretary Hillary Clinton and saw dozens of leaders from both sides of the aisle.
This past fall, my wife and I watched the “John Adams” documentary. At the time, I imagined out loud how incredible to have been a spectator in the room with the great founders of our country assembled altogether. I can’t help but wonder if some day others will imagine what it must have been like to have been in the room for an event that I was lucky enough to personally witness.
With prayers for our country and all of its leaders, thank you for listening.
