[red flanker]

The news media had a applause meter and Washington Post national politics reporter Amy Gardner indicated on Twitter:

@ AmyEGardner : Big standing O for Newt in Birmingham -- much rowdier reception than Santorum a few minutes ago.
1 hour ago

@ AmyEGardner : Newt just promised to find one trillion barrels of oil during his presidency.
1 hour ago

@ AmyEGardner : Newt wins the applause-o-meter at Birmingham prez forum (over Santorum).

Rick Santorum must have made it clear to everyone in Alabama and the rest of the states that he is a lawyer is paid to speak as long as possible (and while people are still conscious...)

[Christie at the beach]

Byron York just commented on this with Greta. He said Santorum received a warm reception though, Newt had the most applause with a somewhat a much better crowd enthusiasm.