The recent tragedy shadowed the event, resulting in a more subdued atmosphere, Kellerman said.
She noted that there was less loud cheering, and that members of Congress seemed to be more “genteel” and “cordial” than in previous years.
Though Republican and Democratic members of Congress sat side by side last night, several professors agreed that the recent push for civility and bipartisanship might be short-lived.
“I think we’re headed towards continued partisan entanglement and opposition,” Government Professor Harvey C. Mansfield ’53 said.
However, the effort to tone down political rhetoric may have resulted in a speech that was less powerful than others Obama has given.
“Nothing is going to linger in the history books,” Kellerman said.
—Staff writer Tara W. Merrigan can be reached at tmerrigan@college.harvard.edu.
—Staff writer Zoe A. Y. Weinberg can be reached at zoe.weinberg@college.harvard.edu.