*applause*
How could an auditorium filled with emotional people not applaud this, for example?
The president's address was, naturally, excellent. But I thought the audience participation was such an important accent to the event. It represented a community gathered in solidarity. The cheering and applause were the biggest "fuck you" imaginable to Loughner and everyone who thinks the use of firearms is a reasonable response to a trespass. This, as Richard Wolffe described it on Countdown last night, was a celebration of the heroes and a farewell to the victims. Meanwhile, there will be a time for solemn deference and, as we've already recognized, moments of silence for the fallen.
But last night? *clap clap clap*