President Trump’s first State of the Union will be marked by hands. He offered an “open hand” to Democrats. Democrats sat on their hands. And one brave Korean held in his right hand a pair of crutches, raising them above his head in a triumphant, tearful celebration of freedom.

An image of bravery, courage, and freedom. #SOTU pic.twitter.com/LhZClxiybp

— Benji Backer (@BenjiBacker) January 31, 2018

Freedom. Strength. Trumpeting the American people and American ideas. This was the message of the night. And Democrats in the House chamber wanted no part of it.

Trump Turns Attention Away from Himself

For a guy who raised being the center of attention to an art form, whose over-the-top boasts and bravado are a “Yuuuuuge” part of his persona, Trump’s first State of the Union was surprisingly not much about him. In a night of powerful moments, most came when the president shared the stories of others. Spotlighting guests in the gallery is nothing new. President Trump not spotlighting himself? That would be new. And poignant. Among those hanky-generating highlights:

The above-mentioned Korean Ji Seong-Ho — who lost his legs yet still managed to escape North Korea and now helps others do the same. “Seong-ho’s story is a testament to the yearning of every human soul to live in freedom.”

The tear-soaked Warmbier family, whose son Otto was detained, convicted and tortured in North Korea. “You are powerful witnesses to a menace that threatens our world, and your strength inspires us all.”

Evelyn Rodriguez and Freddy Cuevas, Elizabeth Alvarado and Robert Mickens — The heartbroken parents of two teen girls slaughtered by MS-13 butchers. “Everyone in America is grieving for you,” said Trump, “And 320 million hearts are breaking for you.” 

CJ Martinez — a Homeland Security Investigation Special Agent who stared down an MS-13 death warrant. Trump said he asked CJ, “How’d you do it?” “We’re tougher than they are.” “I liked that.”

Ryan Holets — An Albuquerque cop who came upon a pregnant homeless woman who was about to shoot up. “When Ryan told her she was going to harm her unborn child, she began to weep. She told him she did not know where to turn, but badly wanted a safe home for her baby. In that moment, Ryan said he felt God speak to him: ‘You will do it ― because you can.'” The child’s name is Hope.

12-year-old Preston Sharp — He launched an effort to put flowers on the graves of our bravest on Veteran’s Day. “Preston’s reverence for those who have served our nation reminds us why we salute our flag, why we put our hands on our hearts for the pledge of allegiance, and why we proudly stand for the national anthem.”

For over two years, Donald Trump has declared he would “Make America Great Again.” Last night, he put the emphasis where it belongs: “The people dreamed this country. The people built this country. And it’s the people that are making America great again.”

The Democrats Turn Away

The “people” watching got to witness a dour, heartless, classless display from the Democrats.

It began with about 20% of Democrats refusing to welcome the President. Rep. Judy Chu was even reading a newspaper. During the speech, the Democrats mostly sat stone-faced, even as the president touted good news upon good news upon good news for the American people. Members of the Congressional Black Caucus refused to cheer the news that black unemployment is at its lowest level in generations. They didn’t even smile.

“My duty, and the sacred duty of every elected official in this chamber, is to defend Americans — to protect their safety, their families, their communities, and their right to the American Dream. Because Americans are dreamers too.”

Democrats did not applaud the call to stand for the National Anthem. The National Anthem! They cackled and booed when Trump spoke of criminal illegal immigrants … that is until he introduced those parents of the two teens slaughtered by illegals.

Gone are the days when saluting our military exploits — like taking back nearly 100% of ISIS’s territory — would bring a unified, collective roar.

Nancy’s Contorted Irritation

Nancy Pelosi did not even applaud the President’s call for the parties to work together. Her contorted irritation at — well, everything — summarizes the Democratic response. Joe Kennedy III might as well have stayed at his walled off mansion.

PHOTO of the Night! You know President Trump nailed it when Nancy gives this look! Retweet if you are proud of @realDonaldTrump & think Nancy should retire! #SOTU pic.twitter.com/P5s0UTj7rQ

— Oliver McGee PhD MBA (@OliverMcGee) January 31, 2018

The Democrat’s petulant attitude toward the good things happening, and the good people who are helping make them happen, and the great nation where it’s happening was an eye-opener. This tweet put it best.

Make no mistake: Democrats didn't brand themselves as anti-Trump tonight. They branded themselves as anti-American.

Truly sickening.

— Candace Owens (@RealCandaceO) January 31, 2018

Trump: “Americans are Dreamers too.”

Trump made clear who was first in his mind. “As President of the United States, my highest loyalty, my greatest compassion, and my constant concern is for America’s children, America’s struggling workers, and America’s forgotten communities.” This lead to a line for the ages: “My duty, and the sacred duty of every elected official in this chamber, is to defend Americans — to protect their safety, their families, their communities, and their right to the American Dream. Because Americans are dreamers too.”

That self-evident line will be called “divisive” in the Orwellian media. Yet Trump repeatedly preached unity. “So tonight I am extending an open hand to work with members of both parties, Democrats and Republicans, to protect our citizens, of every background, color, religion and creed,” he said. And, “Tonight, I call upon all of us to set aside our differences, to seek out common ground, and to summon the unity we need to deliver for the people we were elected to serve.”

That means delivering for all our citizens: “We want every American to know the dignity of a hard day’s work; we want every child to be safe in their home at night, and we want every citizen to be proud of this land that we love.”

The man who made his fortune helping create the New York skyline reminded America of its past construction glory: “America is a nation of builders. We built the Empire State Building in just one year — isn’t it a disgrace that it can now take ten years just to get a permit approved for a simple road? Together, we can reclaim our building heritage. We will build gleaming new roads, bridges, highways, railways, and waterways across our land. And we will do it with American heart, American hands, and American grit.”

The scariest moment for Congressional Democrats? Realizing those watching might very well believe him.