Did You Know...

**Written by Doug Powers

At some point earlier in the week I read an LA Times article about President Obama encouraging an audience at a fire station to applaud a mention of his much ballyhooed but tough-to-sell-to-Congress “jobs bill.” I didn’t mention it at that point because it seemed to be one of those “video or nothing” moments when mere words wouldn’t suffice. Now, by way of Allahpundit over at Hot Air, there’s video.

One reason for the lax reaction could be that the “applause” sign was on the audio/video equipment truck that was stolen and hasn’t been recovered yet. What made it even more awkward was that I think the first few claps were from a guy who was only trying to smack a mosquito, but who knows:

If anything, this might serve as evidence that Obama’s audiences aren’t coached on the applause lines going in. However, Team Obama could still be planning their events under 2008 rules, back when no extra encouragement was necessary. Big mistake. Things have changed, and maybe this will turn out to be a teachable moment. By the time next September/October rolls around, cattle prods installed under the seat of each audience member could be a mandatory requirement.

**Written by Doug Powers

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