Live and in color from (almost) the U.S. Senate, part 3: Congratulations, Michigan!

[DFW]

The three swearing in parties/receptions were very much "locally" themed. At Rubén Gallego's reception in the Capitol, there were canapés with guacamole and a mariachi band singing Mexican songs. Of course Mark Kelly was there! At Mazie Hirono's party in her Senate office, there were sushi and edamame.

In Elissa Slotkin, Michigan has an upcoming star. Super-smart and well-spoken, and more than ready to hit the ground running. Hers was so big, it wouldn't have fit in the Capitol, or even in a Senate Office Building. It was held, appropriately enough, considering her background, on an upper floor of the International Spy Museum at l'Enfant Plaza. Motown music (of course!) from a hired DJ, and two other women senators from the Midwest---Minnesota's Klobuchar and Smith. Gary Peters, as of today, Michigan's senior senator, spoke as well as the newly retired Debbie Stabenow.



I expect that MSNBC and the Sunday talk shows will be looking to have Elissa Slotkin on frequently. She is smart, sharp and a quick thinker. Almost a combination of Pete Buttigieg and AOC. Michigan did themselves and the Democrats a favor by sending her to the Senate!

There was an ad hoc band of some Democratic Congressmen playing live music, with Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia filling in with a surprisingly good blues harmonica! Some really good vibes in that room.