Silent Audience Rule for Debate?

[southpaw]

At the first Obama/McCain debate, the audience was told to be silent... no applause or other response during the debate.

Is that a standard rule for these debates?

If so, it will play against Palin's ability to deliver zingers.

Snarky rejoinders come off as falling flat when there is no audience reaction. It's like a comedian delivering a punch line and being answered only by the clinking of dishes from the kitchen at the back of the club.

T.V. viewers are likely to interpret Palin's snark as being ineffective without the laugh-track she had at the convention.

[ronnykmarshall]

1. No USA! USA! USA! chants?

[justiceischeap]

2. There was some polite laughter at the 1st Prez debate

When Obama was asked to direct his response to McCombover and then McCombover replied with the hearing quip.

[southpaw]

3. That's true...

And I recall that McCain actually got a laugh when he did the ridiculous dialogue between Akmed in a jacket and Obama.

[tosh]

4. "T.V. viewers are likely to interpret Palin's snark ...

... as being ineffective without the laugh-track she had at the convention."

Indeed! And I doubt she can fuction well without that "audience" feedback.

Like a kid on Christmas eve!!:popcorn:

[southpaw]

5. Yet another way that this will work against her

If indeed she attempts to use snark and sarcasm like she did at the convention, being met largely with silence will be a major blow to her confidence.


"They're not laughing... they must HATE me!"

[LostInAnomie]

6. They've never been able to silence laughter.

[rvablue]

7. I think it is pretty much standard

although with the desperation they are feeling, of course, they will have trolls planted throughout the hall to snicker at her mean snide "zingers"

In yesteryears, I remember during discussions to work out the debate details, that there was often squabbling whether or not candidates could have "Paper" (i.e. notes) on the lecturn.

Don't remember anything about this, this year, but who cares, I guess. She had notes during the Couric interview and it only managed to make her sound more stupid.

[Arkansas Granny]

8. I recall the same instructions for at least one and possibly all of the 2004 debates.

My guess is that it's pretty much a standard rule and probably a good one.

[slampoet]

9. In 2004 I heard Lerher instructing the audience. He told them their job was to "bear silent Witness"

The audience's job is to not be a regular audience.


They are more akin to the witness booth at an execution. Not the best comparison but it does fit.