Commanding the audience to sit on their hands to avoid standing ovations or other signs that Americans are sick of the media attack debates on Republicans was stupid.
Ron Paul got several moments of big applause anyway; were all those clappers taken out back and shot?? What NBC meant was, no clapping for Gingrich.
But Newt was definitely not thinking to pout for his applause this morning. That is pointing out one of his huge personality deficits to the world: that one of his big motivations in this contest and in life is for love and adoration. We want a solid, strong, self-assured Newt that would debate before even a roomful of paralyzed veterans with poise, facts, and confidence.
And a small group clapped loudly for a good answer on the Schiavo issue.