The Hill News

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) has wholeheartedly endorsed his Colorado colleague's idea to mix up the seating chart, but has urged that lawmakers not jump to their feet and cheer President Obama's words so much.

McCain said on CBS' "Face the Nation" that he'll be sitting with Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.), while Sen. Mark Udall (D-Colo.), who came up with the mixed seating idea and circulated a petition among his colleagues, will be sitting in McCain's usual seat.

The mixed seating will also provide an unusual sight when Democrats typically leap to their feet and cheer at Obama's statements while Republicans often sit silently.

"The fact is it's a good thing to do," McCain said of the bipartisan seat buddies, noting that he's been friends with the Udalls for years. "Why not?"

But, the Arizona senator added, "maybe we cut down a bit on all the jumping up and down," which he called "distracting."

"Frankly, I think the cheerleading side has distracted fr! om the ability of the president to speak to the American people without so many interruptions," McCain said.