Senator Mark Udall (D-CO) has a truly bipartisan idea: at the President's upcoming State of the Union speech, rather than having the traditional seating arrangement split among party lines, the Senators and Representatives in the House chamber should sit amongst each other, regardless of party. Sen. Udall:
"As the nation watches, Democrats and Republicans should reflect the interspersed character of America itself. Perhaps, by sitting with each other for one night, we will begin to rekindle that common spark that brought us here from 50 different states and widely diverging backgrounds to serve the public good."
This is the type of bipartisanship that we should all welcome. Also, it is the kind of thing, regardless of who you Senator or Representative is, that each of our public servants should want to do.
Yes, it is largely symbolic. It may not mean much in terms of real change. Honestly, it is a probably a mere drop in the bucket in terms of actual meaning in our politics.
But doesn't it send the right message? A message that we, as Americans, should all get behind?
A simple intermingling of our leaders to listen to our President would demonstrate a sense of unity of purpose as a people, rather than politicians.
A bit hokey, to be sure. But kudos to Sen. Udall for starting the conversation. All of you who agree, feel free to call the office of your Senator and Congressman, and urge them to literally cross the aisle.