Walk the Talk: reading into the candidates gestures and body language

The presidential candidates endeavored to prove themselves as the next leader of the American people this evening at the presidential debate in Nashville, TN. While debates typically focus on words, examining the candidates' gestures and body language can say more than their mouths.

When addressing the audience, Obama walked casually around the room, stopped in front of audience members as if addressing them, but did not look directly at any individual. Instead he sported his characteristic gaze into the future - the one that has inspired millions of Americans that he is indeed the "change we can believe in" - and then scanned the room, attempting to address all, but failing to truly connect and instill confidence.

McCain on the other hand, appeared as though campaign aides have informed him that strolling about the room will make him appear more comfortable and approachable. Unfortunately, McCain lacks Obama's finesse and gives the impression of staggering around awkwardly. (Yes, I know he was wounded in Nam, this is not a crack at that.) He does, however, address individual audience members. Rather than relate to the audience in a candid way, McCain seems to leer at them, intimidating them into agreeing with his beliefs.

Gestures employed by both McCain and Obama included the hand on the hand on the heart - "I completely understand all of your problems" and the "open-handed wave of inclusion" - "we're all in this together." A characteristic Obama gestures is the mini-point. The mini-point resembles the figures one's hand makes when holding a writing utensil and is used for emphasis rather than blame. It's really quite distracting.

Power cues were used by both candidates, as well. McCain's fist pound and Obama's mini-point were emphatic and overused.

Even though Obama is known for his laser eyes, McCain appeared to have appropriated them and used them to relate to (scare) audience members.

Mudslinging beat out health care, the economy and the War On Terror for center stage this evening. By the end of the debate, neither candidate felt the need to feign cordiality: eyes were rolled, hands were thrown up in disagreement and glares were exchanged. The tension was so high that voices bordered on raised. For a presidential debate, this was Paris versus Nicole c. 2006 status.

McCain was the greater perpetrator when it came to offensive gesturing. He pointed accusingly at Obama when discussing a 2005 Senate vote on an energy bill and charged, "you know who voted for it, that one." He then put an open palm upon his chest and declares, "you know who didn't, this one." It's not polite to point, John.

McCain directly addressed Obama when denouncing his past political action, thus exhibiting verbal aggression. Conversely, Obama rarely looked at McCain when returning the slander. Looking at body language one might ask: Is McCain more confident in statements and therefore better suited to presidency, or is Obama just unwilling to stoop to McCain's level?