Manu Raju
Have been in the House chamber for the speech as I have for many. Have not seen an opposition party mount a protest like tonight. House and Senate Democratic leaders didn’t join the escort committee for the president. Dems turned their back on him when he entered the chamber and didn’t shake his hand. They didn’t applaud virtually anything. Several walked out in the middle of the speech. Lots of signs in the back being held up by Dem members — and repeated shouts of “lies” and “you’re lying.” And a Dem member — Al Green — was escorted out by the House sergeant-at-arms for interrupting Trump for an extended period. Dem leaders endorsed the no-applause strategy. But Jeffries and his deputies urged members against signs and props and loud outbursts.