"Television will change this institution just as it has changed the executive branch," predicted Gore. "But the good will far outweigh the bad." Gore added later in his one-minute address: "There is no censorship. Every word is available for broadcast coverage.  The solution for the lack of confidence in government is more open government at all levels."

Ok, so Gore wasn't totally right about the impact of television on Congress. In the three-plus decades since C-SPAN began airing House proceedings -- it got access to the Senate in 1986 -- trust in and approval of government has tanked.

Of course, we can't blame C-SPAN for that one. The people who occupy Capitol Hill bear the brunt of the blame.

The truth of the matter is that C-SPAN has done -- and continues to do -- a massive public service for anyone interested in seeing up close how their government works. Yes, much of the time the hearings and even floor speeches and votes that the network covers religiously are rote and boring. But, the very fact that the C-SPAN is just always there is what makes it so terrific.

Being there or, put another way, showing up, is a big part of this politics game. Not every day is fascinating but, over time, the feel, tone and culture of Congress is transmitted over C-SPAN's airwaves. It's not as good as roaming the halls of Congress every day but it's pretty darn close. (And now, with C-SPAN's searchable video library, you can find virtually any clip or moment in just a few keystrokes.)

I put a few of my favorite C-SPAN moments -- and those of the WaPo staff -- below. What's yours? I'll add to this list as more suggestions come in. (C-SPAN did their own list of the most memorable moment of each year from 1979-2014.)

Democrat Brad Woodhouse and Republican Dallas Woodhouse received a surprise during their joint appearance on C-SPAN when their mother called into scold them for fighting over the holidays. (C-SPAN)