President Barack Obama at times faced an unenthusiastic crowd as he addressed American military veterans at American Legion's National convention on Tuesday. As the Daily Mail puts it, Obama received “awkward silences where White House speechwriters expected ovations.”
“You know that we should never send America's sons and daughters into harm's way unless it is absolutely necessary and we have a plan and we are resourcing it and prepared to see it through,” Obama said.
After a brief moment of silence, weak applause followed.
President Barack Obama speaks during the American Legion national convention in Charlotte, N.C., Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2014. Three months after a veterans' health care scandal rocked his administration, President Barack Obama is taking executive action to improve the mental well-being of veterans. The president was to announce his initiatives during an appearance before the American Legion National Convention that is fraught with midterm politics. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Audience members listen as President Barack Obama speaks about veterans issues at the American Legion’s 96th National Convention at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, N.C., Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2014. Three months after a veterans' health care scandal rocked his administration, President Barack Obama is taking executive action to improve the mental well-being of veterans. The president was to announce his initiatives during an appearance before the American Legion National Convention that is fraught with midterm politics. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
A seemingly weaker response followed when Obama said America’s “longest war” in Afghanistan would soon come to a “responsible end.”
However, one of the most awkward moments came when the president had to wait several seconds for any response from the audience.
“As we go forward, we will continue to partner with Afghans so their country can never again be used to launch attacks against the United States,” he said.
Several seconds of awkward silence followed before scattered clapping is heard.
The Right Pundit has compiled a video containing several moments where applause lines received very tepid clapping or just plain silence:
The VA scandal has not helped Obama's standing among military veterans.
In the same speech, Obama announced 19 new executive actions for treating mental health problems and for suicide prevention of American veterans and vowed to fix the scandal-plagued Department of Veterans Affairs.
“Veterans called for it, we heard you, which is why today I am announcing 19 new executive actions to help improve mental health care for those american heroes and their families,” Obama said.
