Read His Lips -- and Smirk

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

By Richard S. Dunham

There is a curious disconnect between the pundits and the people in Campaign '04. After the three Presidential debates between John Kerry and President Bush, the consensus among the pundits is that only one encounter -- the Sept. 30 showdown at the University of Miami -- produced a clear winner. But voters surveyed after the debates by independent pollsters, Democrats, and even some Republican operatives gave the edge in each debate to challenger Kerry.


Is the Inside the Beltway gang out of touch with the Average Joe in Racine, Wis. or Henderson, Nev.? Perhaps. But after talking to a leading communications consultant to corporate CEOs, I'd like to posit an alternate theory: While both candidates scored some points during their sharp policy exchanges, Kerry was superior in nonverbal communication. When it came to facial expressions and body language, the challenger seemed more confident, more comfortable, and, yes, more Presidential.


"BUG EYES." That's not just a bit of amateur psychology from a longtime political observer. It's the conclusion of Dan Hill, president of Sensory Logic, a St. Paul, Minn.-based company that helps execs communicate through nonverbal means. "Bush had a tendency to lack gravitas," said Hill. "He was coached to be engaging and warm, but there were moments when it could seem flippant. When there was serious subject matter, he would (occasionally) flash an inappropriate smile."

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=bw/nf200410190197db015

[Grillymom]

1. That's interesting

All this time I just thought Bush was being a prick!

[eurolefty]

2. "He'd show fear on his face"

"He'd show fear on his face," says Hill. "His eyebrows go up and he gets 'bug eyes' -- his eyes go wide for a moment." When challenged, the Pres sometimes lapsed into an upside-down smile, which, Hill says, reflects "a combination of anger, disgust, and sadness."