not allowing audience response is like putting plastic bags over the teabaggers heads. NBC finally is allowing an actual debate without a bunch of cheerleaders for each team. Cool. Without a laugh track or cues as to when there is approval, non-thinking automatons have no idea what to do. My guess is that most of them fell asleep on their Barcaloungers a long time ago, as if they can't be part of their club they might have to actually think. Sleep is easier.