It was about time, perhaps not the first, that someone suggested that U.S. Senate and House of Representative members sit side-by-side during a presidential state of the union address. Instead of the usual division of seating arrangements that is the custom. A few weeks ago one of my state's senator, Mark Udall, made the recommendation of showing the world there can be unison. If only during an hour or so one evening in January 2011.
It will be interesting to see how many of those take Udall up on his offer. Some have argued that this is a PR stunt for Udall, but I think he is being authentic. This jesture seems to align with his brand attributes. If not, I do not think anyone would agree to sit next to those in competitive parties. Many have said yes to date. I think most Americans, and probably many abroad, are getting tired of the canyons (not aisles) that divide the nation's two primary political parties.
Whether the demonstration of bi-partisonship is sustainable remains to be seen, but at least in the short-term, I like it enough to say, Mark Udall, you are the Brand Champion of the Day. If this becomes a trend, you will recruit and retain many brand champions for your brand of politics, and the U.S. brand.
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