Like many Americans, I was expecting Donald Trump’s State of the Union address to comprise the usual patriotic appeals to freedom and bluster about strength of the nation.

However, what took me by surprise was the spontaneous standing ovation and lighthearted exchanges between the Democratic Congresswomen - wearing white to mark the 100th anniversary of women having the vote - and that of their arch-nemesis, the President.

Just two years ago, many of these women had protested his presidency outside the White House, wearing pink hats resembling female genitalia. Some had argued that the President would set women back to the 1950s or beyond. In my view, all too many were willing to overlook the allegations surrounding the former President and serial philanderer Bill Clinton, on the basis of his pro-choice stance. Minor details, right?

The President reeled off some of the economic accomplishments of his administration. Of the 5 million new jobs created in the last 18 months, 58% were filled by women. Even the Democratic Congresswomen couldn’t resist celebrating this encouraging fact. So they swallowed the bipartisan pill and cheered.

Surprised by their reaction, the President responded spontaneously himself, as if on the campaign stump. “You weren’t supposed to do that!” More cheers.