KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A bipartisan exchange before the State of the Union address between President Joe Biden and East Tennessee Rep. Tim Burchett had President Biden, jokingly, asking for Burchett's wife's number, Burchett's communications director Rachel Partlow said in an email.
The pair discussed Corvettes and chocolate chip ice cream, Partlow said.
"When Rep. Burchett told Biden that Kelly loves those things, Biden jokingly asked for her number!" Partlow said.
Biden delivered the State of the Union on Thursday. As he walked into the chamber, Biden shook hands with Middle Tennessee Rep. Andy Ogles. Rep. Burchett shook hands with Biden. When the President moved down the line, Burchett reappeared and the pair spoke again.
All in all, the two talked for about 30 seconds. Biden began speaking 9 minutes and 26 seconds after entering the chamber.
In an interview with former Trump aid Steve Bannon, Burchett said he was trying to delay the beginning of the State of the Union on a dare from Gaetz.
"Matt says, 'Burchett, do one of your endless stories and let's see if you can double the time you delayed him from last year,'" Burchett said.
Burchett did succeed in talking with him for at least twice as long as the walk toward the podium in 2023. Last year, Burchett was able to chat with the President for about 10 seconds.
Despite the pleasantries and smiles before the speech, Burchett went on to criticize the president and his SOTU speech on social media.
"I thought it, some asked me if it was a dumpster fire, I think it was more a tire fire. Just seemed like it was never gonna get put out," he said.
