State of the Union: Handshakes, Hugs and Photo Ops

Vice President Joe Biden fixes House Speaker John Boehner's tie.
Vice President Joe Biden fixes House Speaker John Boehner's tie.Alex Wong—Getty Images
By TIME Staff
President Barack Obama delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on January 28, 2014 in Washington.
President Barack Obama delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on January 28, 2014 in Washington.Mark Wilson—Getty Images
Vice President Joe Biden fixes House Speaker John Boehner's tie.
Vice President Joe Biden fixes House Speaker John Boehner's tie.Alex Wong—Getty Images
Willie Robertson of the television show Duck Dynasty and his wife Korie Robertson pose for a picture with Republican Representative from Wisconsin Paul Ryan.
Willie Robertson of the television show Duck Dynasty and his wife Korie Robertson pose for a picture with Republican Representative from Wisconsin Paul Ryan.Jewel Samand—AFP/Getty Images
President Barack Obama arrives and greets members of Congress.
President Barack Obama arrives and greets members of Congress.Brendan Smialowski—AFP/Getty Images
Senators Cory Booker, Marco Rubio, Kristen Gillibrand, John McCain mingle before the State of the Union.
Senators Cory Booker, Marco Rubio, Kristen Gillibrand, John McCain mingle before the State of the Union.Win McNamee—Getty Images
First Lady Michelle Obama hugs U.S. Army Ranger Sgt. First Class Cory Remsburg, who was injured while serving in Afghanistan.
First Lady Michelle Obama hugs U.S. Army Ranger Sgt. First Class Cory Remsburg, who was injured while serving in Afghanistan.Gary Cameron—Reuters
President Barack Obama winks at First Lady Michelle Obama before starting his speech.
President Barack Obama winks at First Lady Michelle Obama before starting his speech.Drew Angerer—EPA
President Barack Obama gestures as he delivers his State of the Union address.
President Barack Obama gestures as he delivers his State of the Union address.J. Scott Applewhite—AP
President Barack Obama turns to acknowledge House Speaker John Boehner after referencing his father in the opening of his address.
President Barack Obama turns to acknowledge House Speaker John Boehner after referencing his father in the opening of his address.Mark Wilson—Getty Images
Republican Senator from Texas Ted Cruz listens to President Barack Obama deliver the State of the Union address.
Republican Senator from Texas Ted Cruz listens to President Barack Obama deliver the State of the Union address.Jewel Samad—AFP/Getty Images
The chamber stands to applaud for U.S. Army Ranger Sgt. First Class Cory Remsburg as he is acknowledged in President Barack Obama's address.
The chamber stands to applaud for U.S. Army Ranger Sgt. First Class Cory Remsburg as he is acknowledged in President Barack Obama's address.Mark Wilson—Getty Images
U.S. Army Ranger Sgt. First Class Cory Remsburg gives a thumbs up as he receives a standing ovation during the State of the Union.
U.S. Army Ranger Sgt. First Class Cory Remsburg gives a thumbs up as he receives a standing ovation during the State of the Union.Win McNamee—Getty Images
President Barack Obama waves as he walks through a door to leave the House chamber after giving his State of the Union address.
President Barack Obama waves as he walks through a door to leave the House chamber after giving his State of the Union address.Susan Walsh—AP

More Must-Reads from TIME

Contact us at letters@time.com