Watch Trump get 3 consecutive standing ovations from the Democratic women in white, 1 of them a surprise
There was a lot in President Trump's State of the Union address that did not fit into the promised theme of "unity," but Trump did get three consecutive standing ovations from the Democratic women in white — and the first one was definitely unexpected. "No one has benefited more from our thriving economy than women, who have filled 58 percent of the newly created jobs last year," Trump said. Slowly, the freshmen women in suffragette white appeared to realize that these new jobs might as well include their victories last November in Congress and in local and state government. After a few seconds, the arc of white was collectively on its feet, cheering.
"You weren't supposed to do that," Trump said, smiling and pointing at the women. He continued: "All Americans can be proud that we have more women in the workforce than ever before. Don't sit yet. You're going to like this," Trump added, teeing up the applause line he expected. "And exactly one century after Congress passed the constitutional amendment giving women the right to vote, we also have more women serving in Congress than ever before." That led to the third consecutive standing ovation from the Democratic women, plus chants of "USA! USA! USA!" — and a moment of unity. Watch below. Peter Weber
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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
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