WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama's State of the Union address is producing fleeting moments of bipartisanship in a divided Congress.
Republicans are sitting with Democrats. Republicans have hugged Democrats. Republicans have even warmly greeted a Democratic president.
After Obama slowly walked down the center aisle, he made a special effort to talk to Republican Sen. Mark Kirk of Illinois, who only returned to Washington last month after suffering a massive stroke.
The tradition of the president's address to the joint session of Congress packs the House chamber. Lawmakers rise in unison to cheer and applaud on some issues, like support for Mideast ally Israel or support for veterans, or sit silently in opposition.
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