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Oops: Michelle Obama Spotted Breaking Debate Rules By Joining in Audience Applause During Heated Exchange

Oct. 17, 2012 9:47am Jonathon M. Seidl

One of the most talked-about and debated moments from Tuesday night’s presidential debate is when Mitt Romney was calling out Barack Obama for blaming the Libya attack on a YouTube video and moderator Candy Crowley stepped in to defend the president (she later admitted Romney was right). When that happened, the audience broke the debate rules and clapped. And video has surfaced today showing one of those clapping was Michelle Obama.

The cameras at Fox News captured the moment. In the video, a wide shot captures the act from the top (she’s in the pink dress on the right):

While the first lady’s face isn’t shown, still photos from the night confirm it was Michelle Obama sitting in that seat:

Michelle Obama Caught Clapping During Debate

HEMPSTEAD, NY – OCTOBER 16: U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama (Top-L) listens as Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney speaks during a town hall style debate at Hofstra University October 16, 2012 in Hempstead, New York. During the second of three presidential debates, the candidates fielded questions from audience members on a wide variety of issues. Credit: Getty Images

RealClearPolitcs details the rule:

According to the rules both campaigns agreed to, or the memorandum of understanding (MOA), there is to be no clapping from members of the debate audience.

The rule: Article 9, Section A, Subsection 7: “All members of the debate audience will be instructed by the moderator before the debate goes on the air and by the moderator after the debate goes on the air not to applaud, speak, or otherwise participate in the debate by any means other than by silent observation, except as provided by the agreed upon rules of the October 16 town hall debate.”

To be fair, it sounds as if a good chunk of the audience applauded, so it’s possible she got caught up in the moment. Still, others will point out that rules are rules.

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Comments (150)

ChiefGeorge
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 10:26am
She’s just as lawless as he is. She is the first lady and she cannot even control herself and maintain the rules? This is BS. Everyone around her is focusing on her, she insitgated the clapping.

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- TruthMonkey
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 10:42am
  You are spot on.
  The have broken the law so many times it’s the new normal.
  She is a vile racist woman with a unquenchable desire for power.
  
  Report this comment
- cessna152
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 10:46am
  This was such a biased debate with people posing as “town hall” shills it’s amazing Romney did as well as he did. My goodness, from the Latina woman on immigration, to the black man on “tell me all you’re going to do to get my vote”, to Candy Eater sticking up for Obama…. Can someone explain how these left leaning, fat ugly liberals always get to moderate these events?
  
  Report this comment
- TruthMonkey
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 10:47am
  The Obamas and Holder should be investigated and prosocuted as enemies of the state.
  
  GITMO would be a great new home for these people.
  
  Report this comment
- Jamark
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 10:53am
  To be fair, it seemed like the clapping was coming not from the inner circle but the outer, not where she was sitting. The only video I’ve seen shows her for about 1 second, after the clapping had started to die down. It certainly looks likes she did clap at least once, but I haven’t seen any indication that she instigated it.
  
  Report this comment
- HKS
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 11:15am
  We know rules don’t apply to liberals.
  
  Report this comment
- rickc34
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 11:17am
  you are right, no respect for the rules or laws.
  
  Report this comment
- pudssweetie
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 11:26am
  Rules don’t apply to them, just to every one else.
  
  Report this comment
- Maji
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 12:04pm
  I must say I’ve never “disliked a first lady before”!
  I didn’t care for Hillary(thought she was un trustworthy) to much
  but, I think I really do not like Michelle.
  She seems to have a innate nasty-ness in her personality.
  
  Report this comment
- bobdiamond
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 12:22pm
  She said this week in a radio interview that the economy is humming along. Really??? Read political commentary at: http://smallcraftadvisorychronicles.blogspot.com/
  
  Report this comment
- chucksue351
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 1:06pm
  the whole nation is going the way of lawlessness (Torahlessess) what goes around comes around
  
  Report this comment
- Exrepublisheep
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 2:37pm
  Clapping is free speech.
  
  Report this comment
- The_Jerk
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 3:16pm
  Michelle got a fat a##. Snoop Dogg told me so.
  
  Report this comment
- six6six
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 3:51pm
  wah wah wah…. Poor Mittins.
  
  Report this comment
- Sosorryforyou
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 4:47pm
  Oh for Heaven’s sake – you are all so predictable! If you are all so “up in arms” about the First Lady breaking the “no clapping” rule, then you must be completely horrified that Romney was the first one to break the debates rule of “not asking your opponent a question”. He broke this debate rule first, and did so over and over again. So much for the GOP’s pretentious “rules are rules” claim.
  
  Report this comment
- twosulcata
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 10:08pm
  Just like Rush says, “where there are rules and there are liberals, there are no rules.” It’s totally obvious she is a political left hack.
  
  Report this comment
- anomnomnommm
  Posted on October 18, 2012 at 7:09pm
  Um… since when is being latino or black the same as being an “ugly liberal”. At least be creative with your racism
  
  Report this comment
ChiefGeorge
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 10:24am
Was Mitts wife also sitting in the audience? If not why not?

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- Jamark
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 10:49am
  She was, yes. Wearing an almost identical pink dress. Kind of eerie.
  
  Report this comment
- 209CA
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 10:54am
  Ann Romney was sitting to the right of the moderator. She got up at the conclusion and was Romney’s first contact. BO on the other hand was shaking hands with audience members.
  
  Report this comment
ChiefGeorge
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 10:23am
Mitt was right! Besides who claps that the president mentioned the word terror and not in the context as it applied to the direct situation. He covered his tracks or maybe knew it was really terror but at that point was still in a position spin this into and being about a video against Islam. He took the low road and he got burned on it because it was clearly not the truth, but the audience is clapping as if BHO was telling the truth all along based on the info he had at the time. The lies and distortions that come out of this administration will be legendary when the books are finally closed on the whole sordid mess of his tenure in the WH. The consumate Leftist is Obama! They are taught that you tell the people what they want to hear and then do completely the opposite off camera. Look at the actions and not the words. His actions bare out who he is.

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80mesh
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 10:22am
ahh c’mon guys … candy threw a fish in the air and mooshill the trained seal started flappin her flippers

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Tigress1
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 10:18am
That applause clearly revealed that the audience was comprised mainly of liberals. What was so appalling was that they immediately believed that what Crowley said was a FACT simply because she said so. It is shocking how gullible liberals are.
What also is amazing is how liberals pitch a fit and scream that something is “taken out of context” when they are taking Obama’s words “No act of terror will go unpunished” out of context! If you see for yourself in the video of the Rose Garden speech at 3.26 Obama was talking about what he did the previous day (9-11-12) by visiting a cemetery of our soldiers and visited a hospital for the wounded. He was referencing the terrorist attack on 9-11-01 when he said “No act of terror will go unpunished.” not 9-11-12! Only at 4.29 in the video does he return to talking about the Benghazi attack. Just as in English grammar the pronoun references the last noun used in a sentence (the antecedent), Obama’s statement reflects the last paragraph discussed, which was 9-11-01.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Nu6VZ9DeVc

For a lesson in pronouns:

http://penandpage.com/EngMenu/gramref.htm

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- JEDhbo
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 11:36am
  Having been irritated many times by the lack of proper grammar and word usage in correct context; permit me to issue a heartfelt and genuine THANKS. I realize that it’s no biggie, BUT, both candidates et al. continually harp on education this, education that, education all around, and quite a few times respondents that list here misuse your for you’re, their for they’re, here for hear, and so on, and so on. Well, I know I’ll be chastised for having the audacity to mention such, but, proper english does reflect ones intelligence. As for Michelle and other audience members that chose to ignore the beforehand agreed to rules, what did you really expect???
  
  Report this comment
An AmericanMom
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 10:15am
I notice that last night in real time…..and her clap started it and ended it….others joined in thinking if the First Lady Clapped it must be the thing to do ……most of the people in the crowd were Liberals in drag….(their were not INDEPENDANTS) you could tell by the facial expressions when the camera had Romney speaking and their expressions looking like died fish….by the way did you see the still shot in this article (just above) with Michelle shooting lasers at Romney.

That was the EVIL EYE…..by a very evil woman….who is a selfish cow!

My 12 year old came into the living room and saw Candy in her opening remarks…..and asked is that a man or a woman?

I bused out laughing……

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- huey6367
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 10:23am
  When she opened the debate I went “aaaargh, that is revolting” seeing Crowley. Why are most liberal women not very attractive?
  
  Report this comment
- getitgotitgood
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 10:27am
  I ask myself if it was a man or a woman and I am 51 year old man. seriously. The Clap the potus’ wife when she clapped it was preplanned. Her and the person to her left was in on it. The whole debate was a set up. We are dealing With Satan. Not going to be easy to beat, cannot beat with mere words in a debate, must pray and ask God to forgive us for chasing God our of our lives.
  
  Report this comment
- yiska8
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 12:02pm
  The evil eyes were glaring at Romney the whole night. Moochelle hates America, the flag, showing support for the troops, and certainly everything Mitt Romney ever worked for and EARNED. Romney nailed the Kenyan’s *ss when he brought up the pension and I wish I could have seen Mooch’s face when he did. She knows it’s men like Romney who triple she and Barry’s ill-gotten gains and overpaid/undeserved salary as Prez. If anything he done such a *hitty job that he should be forced to pay it all back with interest. I for one did not like the services I received for my taxes paid.
  
  Report this comment
Gonzo
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 10:14am
Within the next 10-20 days, a drone will destroy a car in Libya and Obama will spike the football over bringing the ambassador’s killers to justice. It won’t matter who was actually in the car. They just want footage of a burned out car smoking in the desert. If I was a Libyan, I would be walking wherever I went for the next few weeks.

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- honor007
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 12:13pm
  eh? he will outsource it to Hollywood.
  
  Report this comment
Vigilantwingnut
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 10:10am
Okay, So what? Jeez.

I despise the Obama’s, their communist associations, corruption, dishonesty, and everything else they stand for, but c’mon, who really cares if she broke a rule and clapped for her husband during the debate? I’ll bet she’s driven over the speed limit too!

Really, this is news? It’s a silly distraction. Let’s talk about Obama’s bald faced lies during this debate, and all the other issues of real substance.

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- PepperAnderson
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 3:32pm
  It’s not a silly distraction. It proves even the smallest rule she will break. It shows something about her character or lack thereof and I feel that’s extremely important. I didn’t see Ann Romney clapping or breaking the rules. She’s all class and then theirs Moochelle.
  
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Sy Kosys
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 10:05am
People died

Obama Lied

(APPLAUSE)

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- countryfirst
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 4:37pm
  I bet his teleprompter is never plugged into the clapper, he is so self applauding it would need to have battery back-up.
  
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paschmoney101
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 10:05am
this is so petty, its pathetic that it is even a story, who cares if the first lady accidentally clapped with other members of the audience? this is so stupid, there has to be better stories out there and to nit pick at this is just stupid.

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- barber2
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 10:13am
  PASCH: At least she was at the debate, not on some It Takes A Village Vacation somewhere !
  
  Report this comment
- AnOregonian
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 10:14am
  Rules are an inconvenient annoyance to those who believe they are above any.
  
  Report this comment
- HigherRoad
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 10:15am
  Sorry, but you are wrong. This was not a wrestling match where anything goes. Michelle should apologize. This was just another example of the lack of regard for rules and traditions by this administration.
  
  Report this comment
- Buddynoel
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 10:43am
  Petty? You’ve obviously never been elected to office, been in charge of a business, lead a team or been considered a high-profile person. There are rules for the average American, but those in the class I just mentioned are expected to follow a higher standard. Have you seen this from other first ladies? The answer is, no. Defending Michelle Obama when she doesn’t behave right just irritates the average person even more because neither her nor her husband have been held accountable for their actions or behavior since he ran for office in Illinois. I expect a high level of behavior from people who say they deserve to be in charge. We aren’t getting that from Michelle or the president.
  And please note that no one is talking about the Romney family’s behavior. Why, because it’s not an issue.
  
  Report this comment
- paschmoney101
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 10:44am
  give me a break, you sound like the libs, making a non story, a story and making a big deal out of nothing. it wasnt like she was being exessive and obnoxious, it was an honest mistake and there were other people in the audience clapping. Good for her for being there, Barber, Im actually defending her here bud. Your telling me if your significant other was on stage running for president, it wouldnt take everything in you not to accidentally clap, I know i would have trouble with it, cause your excited and pumped up. This story is just stupid and is the last thing at the debate that should have an article on the blaze written about. Next it will be, Obama’s campaign manager picked his nose.
  
  Report this comment
- Buddynoel
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 11:24am
  Have you seen this from other first ladies? The answer is, no. You forget that the White House has staff that train the first family on protocol and behavior. Still think it’s petty?
  
  Report this comment
- Trubrewman
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 12:26pm
  She touched the Queen of England… another example of a lack of etiquette. And what of the insulting gifts they gave to heads of state? Then there is the multiple cases of blowing off Netanyahu. They certainly show an attitude of “we can do whatever we please”.
  
  Report this comment
G.E.R
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 10:05am
After Romney losing last night and Biden mopping the floor with Ryan. The next thing is to point fingers.

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- Sy Kosys
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 10:12am
  Gotta pull em outta yer a$$ and ears first, doofus
  
  xox
  
  Report this comment
- JRGJR
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 10:31am
  GER = IDIOT
  Obama = Liar
  Biden = Boozed up Loser
  You must have watched different bebated than I did. Maybe it was the two remaining brain cells in your head talking to each other.
  
  Report this comment
RightUnite
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 10:05am
Do as I say, not as I do… Let them eat cake, and all that other Obama garbage….

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HigherRoad
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 10:04am
Another example that the rules don’t apply for the Democrats/Obamas. The decorum and dignity once afforded to the position of First Lady has been discarded like so many of the other traditions previously upheld.

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barber2
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 10:03am
The Left believe they are above ” rules.” Part of that change thing which is at the heart of their so-called social justice philosophy. Traditional codes do not interest them. Having little faith in a God and the here-after, they are intent on replacing God’s judgement in the here-after with man’s re-distribution / man’s revenge in the here and now . The material Left is not interested in man’s spiritual life nor in the old concept of mercy. They view themselves as the instruments of justice . They are their own Gods.

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Tri-ox
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 10:01am
After she and her doped-up husband are evicted in January, Big Mo will not be remembered for her BIG intelligence – but rather , for her BIG hatred of America and, of course for her BIG ****.

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Wool-Free Vision
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 9:58am
This one is a non-issue, in my opinion.

Romney won, why quibble?

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- Wool-Free Vision
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 10:04am
  However, Crowley’s false fact-checking on the fly and then quietly backpedalling later, now that is an issue which should be explored. The facts should be shouted from the rooftops.
  
  Report this comment
- huey6367
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 10:19am
  I will ask this question again. Looking for an answer that needs answered. Why is the MSM the moderators in these debates. It is common knowledge they support Obama so where is the unbiased moderator? Crowley showed he affiliation last night.
  
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- coolidge
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 10:28am
  Agreed. Non issue. I do think Crowley’s “Fog of War” moment will help highlight Obama’s Libya fiasco and tee it up nicely for the next debate. Being a typical Obama stooge, she is probably regretting her comment as much as the White House now that everyone has had time to reflect on the real effect her intrusion into the debate had.
  
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- Wool-Free Vision
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 10:36am
  I don’t have an answer for you. Maybe it’s just that the lefties in journalism so greatly outnumber moderates and, Heaven forbid, actual non-biased reporters.
  
  Report this comment
RIGS
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 9:56am
What did you expect from MOOCHELLE and HER LIAR HUSBAND the SOCIALIST LIBERAL.

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yoshik
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 9:55am
What else do you expect? They break the rules over and over and never get called on it. No wonder there is NO accountabilty in this country anymore.

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- Gonzo
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 10:19am
  http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/inside-politics/2012/oct/17/reporters-applaud-obamas-slam-romneys-wealth/
  
  Report this comment
rrjenn
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 9:54am
The liberal CNN moderator and the crowd were obviously pro Obama. That much was more than obvious.

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65Mustang
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 9:53am
Have the Obama’s ever played by the rules?

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RightThinking1
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 9:53am
“Rules”? What are these ‘rules’ of which you speak?
“Rules” do not apply to Democrats, and most particularly, not to the the POTUS/FLOTUS….., or apparently to Candy Crowley.

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- RIGS
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 10:02am
  And to THE BLOATED MODERATOR.
  
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Gonzo
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 9:53am
A bunch of liberals in a New York audience, I’m shocked.

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- Parks
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 10:18am
  I know right???? I have to say that I was conversing with a NYer last night from Albany. He is a Conservative. They do exist there believe it or not.
  
  Report this comment
- huey6367
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 10:21am
  That was the first thing that went through my head when I learned where the deabte was.
  
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Parks
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 9:51am
None of those people were undecided. They were all LIBS.

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kickagrandma
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 9:51am
Break the rules? The obamas? Any and everyone on their side? NAW! Never happen… LIE!!!!!!

Look at the photo and the faces of the people behind Gov. Romney. Dear GOD, what evil.

PRAY ON, AMERICA. PRAY NOW WITHOUT CEASING.

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KickinBack
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 9:50am
The Obama’s break rules?? Naawwww.

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- barber2
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 10:07am
  KICK: Guess as lawyer Bill would say, ” it depends on the meaning of what a rule is .” Think Marx and Lenin and Alinsky all had a new definition of what a rule is. All mortality is “changeable” to them. So modern. So dangerous.
  
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