The feature story on the front page of Live Science right now is about how the body language Obama and McCain use in public tell more about their candidacies (and Presidencies) than any poll or speech ever could...
Among the highlights:
1) McCain represents stability in how he stands firmly and holds onto the sides of a podium. By contrast, Obama has a forward-looking gaze and strolls about in a relaxed fashion during public appearances. Yet both men share an introspective quality that could make them strong leaders, each in his way.
2) McCain uses directional gestures that suggest bridging a gap, while Obama’s shaping gestures that suggest accommodation, the analysts say.
3) McCain also sometimes adopts a right-left style of walking where he shifts his weight — not unlike a cowboy swagger if taken to extremes, [Professor Karen] Studd noted. That contrasts with Obama’s more centered movement where he swings the opposite arm with the opposite leg. Obama's free flow approach may have its advantages, especially when it comes to public appearances where the candidates face hard questions.
4) "John McCain is ill at ease a lot, and Obama is rarely ill at ease although he's put on the spot," [Professor Karen] Bradley said. "John McCain sometimes looks like he's looking for the door, so he needs to work on that."
5) Both Bradley and Studd had pointed out McCain as a strong Republican candidate based on his body language, back in the early days when John McCain was (first) expected to do very well. Huckabee, who was an early favorite after winning Iowa, came off as charming and relaxed, they thought. Romney, they said, came off as less convincing and convinced.
See the full Live Science for an analysis of the candidates' relationships to their wives, plus much more...
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