McCain's Debate Smirks and Body Language: What They Meant

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One thng for sure, McCain made his mark with those who watched the debate, but not necessarily in the right way. Many who watched the debate, and I'm not talking about pundits or analysts, noted the following:

  • McCain avoided looking at Obama (look at the above image when they shake hands; he's not even looking at him there --- and he's smirking)
  • McCain often smirked at Obama's comments
  • McCain was often contemptuous of Obama in terms of his facial expressions
  • McCain appeared angry at times ... not showing any respect for his opponent

Watch below, a clip put together by the Democrats. Ah, the beauty of YouTube. It shows McCain smirking while Obama gave his answers, unwilling to even look at Obama.

My wife is a psychologist, and thus, she analyzed the facial tics and body language of McCain during the debate. Her analysis?

His smirks, out-of-context smiles, and such are covering up a lot of hostility, anger and contempt towards Obama. Such expressions usually hide a difficult or ugly feeling that a person is trying not to express.

Michael Santo's picture

Posted September 28th, 2008 by Michael Santo

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McCain's body language

Anonymous's picture
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 2008-09-30 00:17.

I turned off the sound a couple of times while McCain spoke. What I noticed was his constant eye blinking, uncontrollable agitation and emotions, and even much fear - like someone struggling to keep his head above water. No wonder he was afraid to look at Obama.

Avoiding eye contact

svenpotts's picture
Submitted by svenpotts (not verified) on Tue, 2008-09-30 23:42.

From McCain's performance: no eye contact, smirking at small statements made by Obama, I have come to the conclusion that he actually may be racist.