Clap Tracks in the State of the Union

From the Harford Courant:

Tonight, after President Bush delivers the 2004 State of
the Union, commentators will go through the ritual of tallying the
applause and ovations. As well they should, because at one of the most
orchestrated political events there is, a clap is more than just a
clap, especially when it's written into the speech.
"You write applause lines," said Paul Glastris, a speechwriter for
President Clinton who helped craft two State of the Union addresses. "A
good applause line was one that followed the policy explanation and
added a moral justification." [...]
Speechwriters aren't the only ones who plan out these plaudits. Now,
because transcripts are often handed out to Congress hours before the
speech, the audience can anticipate when to offer - or withhold - its
approval.

Kind of takes away from the magical, wonderous nature of the State of the Union Address, doesn't it?

(thanks to atrios)

Posted by flow Frazao on January 20, 2004 at 10:15 PM | Permalink