Actually the person suggesting was not with the congressmans opponent. He is with Ari David who is running against Henry Waxman, another democrat.
Thanks for the clarification. I’m not familiar with his district. I just heard him mention another candidate and assumed incorrectly.
Upon a second watching, the whole exercise seemed a farcical effort. The kneejerk reaction of most people around the camera mic seemed to take them off guard. What started off as more nervous laughter seemed to devolve into an insincere placation. He rushed so fast into the pledge, many didn’t have time to stand and concentrate on what they were saying. The recitation was half-hearted, gratuitous and obligatory.
Maybe he should have suggested that the woman at the podium lead the pledge. From her vantage point, she could have waited until the audience settled down and perhaps brought a little sincerity to the delivery.
But as it was, the performance was more of a joke to everyone in attendance.