I don’t know, Byron. I think, in your comparison scenario, if the tough-talking black kid was there because he was going to be a man, marry the daughter and raise his child, that would be seen as a great credit to Barack and Michelle Obama — and the influence of the functional black family, which they represent.
I also think cheering is not as much a reflection of approval as support. Joe Lieberman said a good number of things last night that I don’t think most conservatives buy — especially all that drivel about crossing the aisle and needing to “get things done.” But he was warmly cheered. Clinton’s approval ratings went up during the impeachment proceedings. I don’t think that reflected approval of what he’d done so much as the sentiment that enough was enough.
These kids are going through a rough time, and they have a rough path ahead of them. A cheering show of support would be fine.