In a change from tradition, many Democratic and Republican lawmakers sat next to each other instead of on opposite sides of the aisle. The gesture was intended to show unity in the aftermath of the Arizona shooting rampage. Democratic Rep. John Lewis of Georgia praised the bipartisan display.

Rep. John Lewis: “Tonight, we had Democrats and Republicans sitting together on the House floor during the State of the Union address, and it was amazing. In my 24 years here, I have never seen this happen. If we can sit together, we can work together, tomorrow, next week, next month and next year, to do the very best for America.”