Distractions and Ovations

So the outgoing governor gave his final Condition of the State speech this morning. It was pretty much what you'd expect. Chet Culver reconounted accomplishments, promises kept, goals met. He thanked and thanked and thanked until there was simply no more thanking to be done.

He talked of thousands of green collar jobs created, and emphasized this point by wearing possibly the greenest necktie ever.

But while the governor talked, the incoming chief, governor-elect Terry Branstad stayed away. Culver's office explained, sort of:

DES MOINES – Governor-elect Terry Branstad was invited to Governor Culver's Condition of the State address. The invitation was declined by Branstad because he didn't think it was appropriate to be in attendance. We are disappointed. As a courtesy to Branstad to have his own day without distractions, Governor Culver will not be attending inaugural activities.

This is silly. I have no idea why it would have been inappropriate for Branstad to show up this morning, sit there and listen. I also have no idea why it would be a distraction for Culver to show up and watch Branstad take his oath. If outgoing presidents can sit politely while the next guy takes over the free world, why not governors?

A little bipartisan respect and comity would send a good signal that even though elections are nasty and brutish, our leaders can at least stand each other long enough to sit through ceremonial events together without throwing spitwads or rolling their eyes or playing brickbreaker. We can come together and call a truce for the good of our traditions and institutions. Then, tomorrow, back to the fight.

Granted, Branstad didn't miss a lot. But at the end of Culver's speech, and essentially his term, I thought he turned in some of the most eloquent lines of his public life, well-delivered, well-received.

From the text:

Our resilience is tied directly to our inherent optimism -- a belief that things will get better and that our best days are ahead of us. We are also a people of strong faith and character who believe in our Iowa values of hard work, determination and common sense.So, we now stand at a critically important time for Iowa. Our state's direction and destination are up to each of you. I want to encourage you in the clearest possible terms to keep Iowa moving forward. To build on our strengths, especially in the areas of renewable energy, investing in our children, creating the jobs of the future and completing disaster recovery efforts.The vision of Iowa we should all stand for is not a partisan vision, a political vision or a self-serving vision. It's an Iowa vision, one that will move the people of this state forward, unlock their unlimited potential and improve their quality of life.

So, we now stand at a critically important time for Iowa. Our state's direction and destination are up to each of you. I want to encourage you in the clearest possible terms to keep Iowa moving forward. To build on our strengths, especially in the areas of renewable energy, investing in our children, creating the jobs of the future and completing disaster recovery efforts.

The vision of Iowa we should all stand for is not a partisan vision, a political vision or a self-serving vision. It's an Iowa vision, one that will move the people of this state forward, unlock their unlimited potential and improve their quality of life.

Culver got his longest ovation after touting his administration's defense of civil rigths, arguing his office, "stood tall to protect the constitutional rights of all Iowans regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation."

Radio Iowa's O.K. Henderson notes that the depleated Iowa Supreme Court

received a one-minute, 47-second ovation when it entered the House chamber. Tomorrow, interim Chief Justice Mark Cady delivers the Condition of the Judiciary speech. What, in past years was a lightly covered snoozer of a speech could be good theater.