The Senator's Tale: From Skipping SOTU to Praising 'Patriot' Protesters

When it comes to political theater, opinions can certainly diverge, can't they? Remember a few years back, when Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island opted to skip President Trump's State of the Union address? He wasn't shy about his reasons, either, famously likening the whole affair to 'reality TV' and 'political theater' – hardly a ringing endorsement for a cornerstone of American political tradition.

Now, here's where things get a bit interesting, perhaps even a touch eyebrow-raising. Fast forward to 2019, when the senator was over in Biarritz, France, attending a G-7 summit. It was a bustling scene, as these international gatherings often are, and naturally, protests were part of the backdrop. But not just any protests; some of these were, shall we say, rather unconventional, even colorful.

Among the various groups making their voices heard were climate activists who took to the streets on bicycles – and yes, some of them were stark naked. Imagine that! You'd think such an unusual spectacle might draw a chuckle or a raised eyebrow from a seasoned politician, especially one so critical of perceived theatricality. Yet, Senator Whitehouse’s reaction was quite different, actually.

He didn't just acknowledge them; he actively praised these 'naked bike riders.' In fact, he went so far as to commend their 'brave' and 'imaginative' approach to highlighting climate change, even labeling them as 'patriots.' Patriots, mind you, for riding unclothed through the streets of France to make a point about environmental concerns. It's a striking choice of words, isn't it?

And the naked cyclists weren't the only ones to earn his admiration. There were also protesters donning rather distinctive 'frog suits.' Again, a visual that definitely grabs attention! Senator Whitehouse was reportedly just as impressed by their commitment, referring to these costumed demonstrators as 'brave people.' It seems that when it came to certain forms of protest, the senator found plenty to applaud, even celebrate.

So, we're left with a rather fascinating juxtaposition: a senator who found the formal, constitutional address of a sitting president to be mere 'reality TV' unworthy of his attendance, yet who readily offered praise, and indeed, patriotic commendation, to those expressing themselves through nudity and novelty costumes in the streets of a foreign city. It certainly offers a unique glimpse into the diverse, sometimes contradictory, landscape of political commentary and what truly constitutes impactful expression in the eyes of public figures.