Should the SOTU rebuttal be delivered in front of an audience? - Just a casual thought.

[lutherj]

Imagine if Stacey Abrams delivered her rebuttal from a venue in Atlanta with a packed audience in attendance. You wouldn’t want a lot of rowdy over-the-top cheering and clapping, but definitely a hearty response and a more upbeat festive tone than the typical lugubrious presidential SOTU in the house. You could get some nationally known democratic figures to be there, along with a slew of left wing celebrities - a variety of people for reporters to interview. I think the response would have a lot more impact than the usual deadpan voice in an empty room effect, and could upstage the main event. Republicans would wish they thought of it first.

[Cattledog]

1. That's a great idea!

[California_Republic]

2. I like it. A people's event from the people's party

[empedocles]

3. It would be a 'precedent'. Hmmmm?

I would like the idea of a very, serious, concerned, strong, important issue crowd for a rebuttal. However, even that precedent would readily be abused by trumpster types though.

[KT2000]

4. great idea

that would keep the response from being flat, as that is what usually happens. Speakers are energized by an audience so that would add to the message.