Fred Thompson has to ask audience to applaud after his speech

[RedEarth]

On Stump, Low-Key Thompson Stirs Few Sparks
By ADAM NAGOURNEY
NEVADA, Iowa, Oct. 3 — Twenty-four minutes after he began speaking in a small restaurant the other day, Fred D. Thompson brought his remarks to a close with a nod of his head and an expression of thanks to Iowans for allowing him to “give my thoughts about some things.”

Then he stood face to face with a silent audience.

“Can I have a round of applause?” Mr. Thompson said, drawing a rustle of clapping and some laughter.

“Well, I had to drag that out of you,” he said.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/04/us/politics/04thompson.html?ei=5065&en=1136740a26c5dd1b&ex=1192161600&partner=MYWAY&pagewanted=print

[SteelPenguin]

1. I just have to laugh

They were so excited for their savior and he's about as exciting as the kids version of the teacup ride at the county fair.

[NanceGreggs]

2. Ah, the Great White Hope ...

... the Saviour of the GOP, the gallant knight who was going to take on all Dem comers and thrash them soundly with one mightly strike of his sword ... can't even get a round of applause.

Sweet.

[Renew Deal]

3. The republican candidates are a nightmare.

One pathetic loser followed by another.

[havocmom]

4. 'I'm a movie star, not an actor'

Great line spoken by Peter O'Toole in the fun old movie My Favorite Year.

Frederick of Hollywood doesn't go over so well with live audiences, I reckon.

He's a star, not an actor. Not much of a leader either.

[AlCzervik]

5. "Is this an audience or an oil painting?!"

[KansDem]

10. Or...

"I get it now! We're playing 'Charades' here and pretending this is a library!"

...I've heard this one used at dull parties.

[Richard Steele]

6. Pathetic. And yet the MSM will keep telling us how "Presidential" he is. nm

[KansDem]

7. Here, Fred, take this to your next town-hall meeting...

[stellanoir]

8. The imagined appeal of this man totally escapes me.

To me he has all the charisma of. . .

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

9. "I know you're out there 'cause I can hear you breathing!" (crickets)

Tough crowd! :rofl:

[MiniMe]

11. He had to wake them up first

Talk about putting people to sleep with his speaking voice.

[Dukkha]

12. don't give your speech right before naptime at a seniors home

or was it at the coubntry kitchen buffet? either way it is your sole demographic.

[Johonny]

13. I imagine

the audience was waiting for Fred Thompson to come out.

"This warm up guy sucks, whens the slick, super hot hollywood actor we hear so much about coming out?"

[TwilightGardener]

14. Maybe a musical cue would help. Or a little vaudeville "We hope

you enjoyed the show" dance number. Give me a call, Fred. I can help you.