Feeble Clapping, Awkward Silence And Dagger Stares

Photo courtesy: Charles Dharapak, AP

It was a tough crowd make no mistake about it.  Some 10,000 Legionnaires attended the 96th Annual American Legion Convention in Charlotte, NC today.   Did I mention it was a tough crowd?

Montel Williams, who was tremendously outspoken when the VA scandal broke, was the Master of Ceremonies.  He praised the Legion and its members effusively for their fight for accountability and change during the scandal earlier in the year.

NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty was presented the James V. Day “Good Guy” Award for his patriotism and service to the community.

Lt. Col. Oliver L. North, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret), was presented the National Commander’s Public Relations Award for raising public awareness about the honorable nature of military service and the sacrifices made by America's heroes.

The World’s Most Dangerous Community Organizer had barely wiped the dust off his golf cleats after two weeks on the island of Martha’s Vineyard when he climbed aboard Air Force One to speak at a convention chock-full of veterans.

The insufferable airhorn droned on for 35 minutes.  According to The Daily Mail, there was a small group of admirers who sat near the front and tried to generate applause for him about 10 times.

His 35-minute speech seemed to have reminded the audience of the stark divide between the White House's policy choices and the feelings of the men and women often called on to carry them out.

After the customary introductions and thank-yous to dignitaries, TWMDCO spoke for nearly 8 minutes without a single clap.

Most of the veterans sat on their hands, leaving awkward silences where White House speechwriters expected ovations. 

A special thanks to The Right Pundit for taking the time to create a shorter version of today’s speech and the apathetic response to it by these veterans.