The bitter divisions of politics in America were on full display Tuesday night as President Donald Trump gave his State of the Union Address to Congress and nation, as the President seemingly ignored a handshake offered by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who responded by very publicly tearing apart Mr. Trump's printed speech as he finished.
"Ripping up the president's speech is a new low, even for Speaker Pelosi," said Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA), as Republicans roundly denounced the Speaker.
"I was disappointed in the Speaker of the House's action," said Rep. Ross Spano (R-FL). "Very, very disappointing."
"I am disgusted and insulted by the viciously partisan action of Nancy Pelosi tearing up the speech," tweeted former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.
Here is what it looked like.
Pelosi rips up Trump's 2020 #SOTU speech after he snubbed a handshake with her earlier in the night. pic.twitter.com/zZBWkL0Mu7
— BlazeTV (@BlazeTV) February 5, 2020
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi ripped up her printed copy of President Trump's State of the Union address as he concluded his remarks https://t.co/IlxmkVp5M8 pic.twitter.com/tPzwLGMFVh
— CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) February 5, 2020
As President Trump arrived in the House chamber - where lawmakers had voted to impeach him just before Christmas - Mr. Trump climbed the dais to his speaking position, and handed formal copies of the speech to both Vice President Mike Pence and Speaker Pelosi.
Pelosi quickly extended her hand - offering a handshake to the President - but he turned away. Whether he did not see the offer, or he just ignored it, was not immediately clear.
But a photograph tweeted out by the Speaker left little doubt as to what Democrats believe happened.
After that handshake misfire, the Speaker trimmed back the usual introduction for the President.
Democrats will never stop extending the hand of friendship to get the job done #ForThePeople. We will work to find common ground where we can, but will stand our ground where we cannot. #SOTU pic.twitter.com/ELJqR9q4xD
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) February 5, 2020
President Trump snubbed Speaker Pelosi of a handshake as he took his spot on the podium #SOTU pic.twitter.com/gWhqPnqJvN
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) February 5, 2020
Traditionally, the Speaker says: "Members of Congress, I have the high privilege and distinct honor of presenting to you the President of the United States."
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) February 5, 2020
Speaker Pelosi said "Members of Congress, the President of the United States."
While Republicans and the White House denounced Pelosi for literally tearing the President's speech apart, Democrats shook their heads over GOP lawmakers breaking into a chant of, "Four more years!" on the House floor.
"I thought it was a terrible speech," said Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA). "This was a campaign rally."
"That was a disgrace," said Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT). "It was a 2020 campaign speech from beginning to end, filled with political stunts unworthy of the House chamber."
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