The women’s team declined Trump’s invitation to attend his State of the Union address on Tuesday night in Washington, D.C., citing “previously scheduled academic and professional commitments.”
This seems like one of those phony controversies that partisans try to exploit.
Since we live in an unlikely timeline, both the Men’s and Women’s hockey teams beat Canada, 2-1, in overtime to win gold medals. Both teams were invited to the State of the Union address on Tuesday. The women’s team declined the invitation.
Don’t denigrate them for that decision. When the president invites guests to the SOTU, it’s to be a manifestation of a political issue. A person who doesn’t want to be a political pawn, is choosing not to be political. Also, many people would find it boring to sit through the SOTU.
I don’t really know if they have to stay. The men’s team was just brought in through the gallery door. Still, it’s travel and hassle for a short recognition that isn’t necessary. Everyone knows they won the gold medal, and they are already historic.
Getting invited to the White House is different. The team is the center of attention and the White House is interesting. Declining an invitation to the White House is a political act.
Most of the women’s team will probably visit the White House, and it will be a low-key visit. That’s fine.
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