A Political Masterstroke at the RPT Convention

Someone came up with an extremely clever way to save Joe Straus from embarrassment today. A silent walkout had been planned for his speech and many people were on board for it. There had been much loud talk about it. A Tea Party group was giving away "Oust Straus" stickers in the exhibition hall. A yellow flyer was even handed out to the convention attendees in anticipation of his speech.

However, immediately before he spoke, it was announced that all the Republican candidates, incumbents and newly nominated, were being  "introduced" and then they walked out on the stage. As soon as they all had assembled,  Joe Straus strode briskly out in front and said a few words without the usual build up.
UPDATE: Subsequent conversations with people who know show  the candidates thought they would be off the stage before Straus made his speech.

The genius in this move was the fact that most of the convention attendees had voted for those very candidates, and to walk out would imply disapproval of him or her. So every one, that I could see, stayed put.  There were a few catcalls but Straus's speech was so short, it didn't have time to grow into an organized howl.  If most people were like me, they were dumfounded and a little bit amused at the way they had been outfoxed. It was one of those "How simple! Why didn't I think of that?" moments.

This won't change anyone's mind about Straus but at least he didn't lose as much face as he could have.

Well played, Joe.

UPDATE; I have become aware of a video made by a convention attendee. It shows the camera holder exiting the arena and about 10-15 people chanting in the hallway. A good shot of the candidates coming out on stage can be seen at minute 0-1:27, and the number of protesters can be seen beginning at minute 5:19.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gC4T_3O0UM