Dear Screaming Crowds:

Please let your speaker get on with their speech.

Sincerely,

Your Speaker

Last night, it took 1:59 for the crowds at the Democratic Convention to let Barack Obama begin his speech. For those who were counting, he did 32 “thank yous” in an attempt to get them to stop. Adulation is one thing, but this is just time-wasting. Bill Clinton had a similar problem the night before – at one point pleading with the crowd to let him get on with the speech.

It reminds of people who don’t pick up on cues to end conversations – cues like “well, it’s been interesting chatting…” or “glad we had a chance to talk…” When a speaker has said “thank you” at least twice, and you’re still not letting them get on with it, that’s just rude.

The Associated Press kindly posted the whole clapfest for Obama on YouTube: