Commentators have criticized Kerry for “stepping on his applause lines” during his acceptance speech. I welcomed it.

I believe that most politicians allow themselves too many applause lines and let the applause go on for too long. (This happens most annoyingly at the National Conventions and the State of the Union addresses.)

The excessive length and occurrence of applause has two negative consequences for the speaker’s political interests. First, it makes politicians look overly satisfied with their selves. I would like to think that most Americans do not like politicians and do not think they deserve the adulation. Second, it is the television equivalent of what radio calls “dead air”: it enhances viewer opportunities to change channels.

Be it calculation or accident, I do not think it harmed Kerry, and it may work in his favor.