The Silence Was Deafening-From CBS News' Fernando Suarez:

[Ichingcarpenter]

(CBS)
From CBS News' Fernando Suarez:

AKRON, OHIO -- Hillary Clinton made a stop at the Lockheed Martin plant in Akron today, but about the only thing that was hot in the room were the reactors working in the plant. Clinton received an awkwardly chilly reception at the plant, so much so that upon taking the stage the music was cut short because the crowd was just standing there watching her and no longer clapping.

Clinton started her speech by offering her “prayers” to the family members of those who lost loved ones at the shooting at University of Northern Illinois. “I was deeply saddened by the terrible shooting that occurred,” said Clinton.

Clinton then began laying out her standard stump speech and when she reached key applause lines like wanting to build up America’s manufacturing plants or offering universal health care or even building America’s national defense programs, there was nothing but silence.

In fact, Clinton’s first applause came 11 minutes into a 12 minute speech when she said she would bring troops home from Iraq. Clinton quickly wrapped up her speech following the applause.

A campaign spokesman denied that she cut her remarks short and said that Clinton met with supporters and delivered her points of her speech.

Having been to more Clinton events than I care to remember, this was by far the shortest speech and most silent reception I can recall.

http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2008/02/15/politics/fromtheroad/entry3838333.shtml