The combined seating might have had some positive side effects.

[Renew Deal]

It kept back the pep rally feel of the event. It kept the standing ovations to a few short ones rather than long odd one sided outbursts. The speech came off serious and and straight forward. I also liked seeing who was sitting next to whom.

I always found the separated seating odd, and not a good message. Hopefully they keep the new tradition.

[gateley]

1. Ed is agreeing with you. nt

[Renew Deal]

2. And Larry too.

I'm glad that I got this out before them.

[lumberjack_jeff]

3. I'm fer it. n/t

[Hosnon]

4. I hope it sticks. I like the idea of sitting by state. nt.

[notesdev]

5. Seating should be by state

given that's how the seats are apportioned, and it keeps reps from the same state, who are likely to share priorities, together

[proud patriot]

6. I reallly liked it

I hope they keep

[janet118]

7. Did you notice how the Republican side . . .

has more color. Not just the usual dark suits and white faces. What happened?

[RC]

8. The combined seating, like children being separated to control them better.

No childish outbursts like last time.

[Renew Deal]

9. lol, good point

:D