Republicans put the spotlight on themselves through extraordinary rudeness during the annual State of the Union address, Reuters reports.
Boos, taunts, groans, curses, and chortles came from the GOP, shattering a four-decade ritual where the spotlight is on the average American, as well as the standing president.
But this year, the opposition party turned themselves into prime-time props for President Joe Biden.
Biden seemed to have fun as the far-right Republicans booed, meeting them with a smile.
Biden accused “some of my Republican friends” of wanting to “sunset Social Security and Medicare,” even as he acknowledged that, “I am not saying this a majority” who backs a proposal last year from Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.).
Extremist Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene tried to steal the show once again, shouting “liar!”
A number of Republicans shook their heads in disapproval, including Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), who was seated behind the president, even trying to shush his colleagues.
Biden responded, “Anybody who doubts it contact my office and I will give you a copy of the proposal.” As audible protests continued, Biden returned the volley, in seemingly spontaneous fashion. “So folks, as we all apparently agree, Social Security and Medicare off the books now, right? All right. We got unanimity.”
In 2009, a Republican congressman, Rep, Joe Wilson, inserted himself as well interrupting President Barack Obama’s speech, shouting “you lie.” It shocked viewers.
Wilson apologized, “I let my emotions get the best of me.” Then–Republican Conference Chair Mike Pence expressed regret: “Joe made a mistake.” Wilson was formally reprimanded by a vote of the House.
That seems to be the Congress of the past now. More than a decade later, that all seems quaint.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene alone shouted out at least nine times
But Biden was ready for the hecklers.
In impromptu remarks not included in the prepared text of the speech, Biden rolled with the interruptions, using them to reinforce his message.
“I welcome all converts,” Biden told the Republicans, recasting for the television audience the Republican hubbub as a sign of submission.
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