Rarely do Republicans and Democrats form common cause. On Thursday night, June 15, they united on two themes.
Both parties played baseball for charity, and for their friend Steve Scalise.
“Tonight,” said Rep. Nancy Pelosi, “we will all be Team Scalise.”
President Trump addressed the players via video screen.
“Steve is our friend, he’s a patriot and he’s a true fighter. I know you all will be playing extra hard for Steve,” said the president.
“We pray for all of the victims of this terrible crime, who are still recovering, including Zachary Barth and Matt Mika.”
Rep. Scalise was one of five people shot at practice for the game on June 14. A lone gunman opened fire with a rifle, shooting Scalise through the lower abdomen. One congressional staffer was lightly wounded, and one, seriously.
Two Capitol Police officers charged the gunman, Both were shot, but both pressed on and took down the shooter.
The shocking assault broke down partisan barriers. Members of Congress realized that much more joined than separated them.
They also refused to consider canceling the game.
“By playing tonight, you are showing the world that we will not be intimidated by threats, acts of violence, or assaults on our democracy,’ was the president’s comment.
“The game will go on.”
The Democrats won mostly on the strength of Rep. Cedric Richmond. Richmond, a Louisiana Democrat was a good friend of Scalise’s. He is also a former college ballplayer, a strong pitcher and hitter. He led his team to an 11–2 victory.
So far the tally stands at 39 games each for the Republicans and Democrats, with one tie.
The charity game is a congressional tradition dating back to 1909.
It supports The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington and the Washington Literacy Center, and the Washington Nationals Dream Foundation.
After Wednesday’s shooting, the Capitol Police Memorial Fund was added to the list.
