Watching the President's speech to Congress I noticed that he said two sentences about the first female speaker, and was interrupted TWICE for separate standing ovations. I've noticed in previous State of the Union addresses and also when Prime Minister Blair addressed a joint session of the US Congress, that important and serious points are interrupted and even diminished by it. I'm not suggesting dignitaries should be subjected to House of Commons style heckling, but wouldn't it be more appropriate to listen respectfully and only interrupt to applaud main, substantive points rather than constantly rising for everything you agree with, cheering and disrupting the rhythm of the speech?
2007-01-25 01:18:28 · 13 answers · asked by mark 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
No that is part of the comedy relief.
2007-01-25 01:28:12 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Members of Congress behave rather too politely in my opinion. Being a Brit I'm much more used to the confrontational style of the House of Commons where any prime minister trying to make a speech is not going to get even a sitting ovation, never mind a standing one. Mostly what he will get is a lot of yah-boo and the slow hand clap he deserves.
2016-05-23 22:05:56 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's part of the pomp and circumstance of the State of the Union. The President shouldn't have to be introduced 4 times, either.. Alot of it seems silly and over-the-top to us, but it's been done this way for 200 years.
2007-01-25 01:23:56 · answer #3 · answered by Jersey Giant 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Totally agree with you, it is typical of Americans to go this OTT over nothing, they don't even listen to what is being said.
A company I us to work for had their conference in Miami every year, it consisted of about 30 Europeans and 200 Americans, as soon as the CEO opened his mouth the yanks would be cheering and whooping, absolutely ridiculous.
2007-01-25 01:25:11 · answer #4 · answered by RRM 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is just a dog and pony show. It's all part of the fun for them to behave the way they do. That includes 1/2 clapping while the other half sits there stone faced.
2007-01-25 01:37:56 · answer #5 · answered by Lou 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you don't applaud at Bush's speeches, you get led out as a person who will potenitally throw a grenade up on the stage. it is just their way, of staying for the whole speech!!
2007-01-25 01:46:12 · answer #6 · answered by qncyguy21 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That would be good, but it is all just visual propaganda for your enjoyment. Dont be brainwashed by our politicians. Dont you know that it is both the Dems and Repubs that are working together to ruin this country? They are sucking the life out of us by giving this country away to corruption and immorality. The USA has had it, for greed, power and money designed and implemented by both camps. Dont be blind!!! Desktop Support TV.
2007-01-25 01:22:53 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Spot on - it shouldn't be such a "show of support",
it would be better for the viewer if it was either just a show or
actually informative - cut out the audience - or get them to behave themselves
2007-01-25 03:59:13 · answer #8 · answered by profound insight 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Appalauses during the speeches are a good way of seeing which party believes in what is being said.
2007-01-25 01:21:07 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
They probably are in awe of the man.The fact that he can string a sentence together proves that he must be starting to finally get an education!
2007-01-25 01:25:10 · answer #10 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes I have to agree with you. I was wondering if people didn't agree or were just tired of getting up and down.
2007-01-25 01:22:09 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋