Dems Obligated to Stand and Applaud Tonight?

[SAXMAR]

Does anyone know how much respect (applause and standing)is required by protocol for members of Congress who oppose the president?

I know we need to show respect for the Office of the President but how far does this have to go?

[Freedomofspeech]

1. Do we really need to show respect....

for a president who has absolutely no respect for the Constitution or people of the United States? I would turn my back on him if I had the opportunity.

[babylonsister]

2. I would say not. They can be respectful without ... being respectful?

At least I hope and pray there will be no standing ovations from the Dems, and probably a cursory clap or two, if that.

[rock]

3. Cursory applause is expected

As I've said before, you can be polite even while placing a noose around a criminal's neck.

[ck4829]

4. I suggest applauding at odd moments

"Congress failed to..."

Followed by applause.

[Missy M]

5. The applause will only be for respect of the office.....

nothing more.

[etherealtruth]

6. I think the same amount of enthusiasm ...

... as was displayed when Pelosi was sworn is as speaker.

edit to add/clarify: as was displayed by the repub's when Pelosi was sworn is as speaker. I can still see their pasty faces weakly (albeit politely) clapping.

[SAXMAR]

7. Good Point!

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

8. Yeah, but not a lot.

They sure don't have to applaud during parts of the speech if they don't want to, but when he enters, yeah, they do.

[razorman]

9. I believe the tradition should be upheld for any president, regardless of party.

After all, if members of Congress do not follow the tradition for this president, it will become a precedent, and the other side will be sure to show their disrespect the whenever a Democratic president presents his(or her) SOTU. The state of politics is already plenty uncivil. There are more appropriate times and places to express their disagreement.

[Freddie Stubbs]

10. They will applaud when he says things Democrats want to hear

For example, he will likely get a standing ovation if says that he will sign the minimum wage increase.