NOT on policy. On body language. Because none won on policy. But POLITICO has taken on the task of "reading" the body language of the GOP candidates in last night's debate.
Joe Navarro is author of the international bestseller What Every BODY is Saying: An Ex-FBI Agent's Guide to Speed-Reading People and The Dictionary of Body Language: A Field Guide to Human Behavior.
Ron DeSantis’ awkward smile, Nikki Haley’s killer eyeroll, Vivek Ramaswamy’s angled eyebrows — I saw a veritable stage play tonight, only the best dialogue was unspoken.
During the first GOP debate, I wrote that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis failed to smile. He seems to have taken that advice to heart. Unfortunately, he fumbled the execution.
(My assessment - a totally phony smile)
At the first debate, Vivek Ramaswamy looked like he was having a ball, with a supernova smile and big, emphatic hand gestures that grabbed him attention as a feisty newcomer. Tonight, as Ramaswamy took his last shot at drawing daylight between himself and his opponents on a debate stage, it was clear the fun is over.
(My assessment - he is bleeding support and he is pissed)
The tension on Haley’s face from the start spoke to her commitment and resolve. She was cogent and focused, and her delivery was precise. Her use of humor to defang Vivek’s sexist remark about her heels was flawless. She clenched her jaw and rolled her eyes in a devastating, dismissive way, showing that she’s in control even when she’s seething and that she considers Ramaswamy insignificant.
(My assessment - too bad she is neo-con. Too bad she isn't on the Dems side. She can deliver "the look" and is articulate. Kinda cute too)
Christie was as polished as always. As a former prosecutor practiced at charming a jury, he used his smooth vocal cadence to deliver talking points in a way that was easy to understand.
(My assessment - he might even be sane. He has that buddy buddy approach)
Scott looked presidential. He was eloquent and poised. Once again he quoted scripture on the stage, speaking with the measured and comforting cadence of a pastor. Of all the candidates, he appears the most approachable, thanks to his easy smile, his deep baritone voice and the way he turns to all sides of the audience as he speaks, making everyone feel addressed.
(My assessment - Joe Navarro got this one all wrong. Scott comes across as sanctimonious. Scott might be ok as a pastor, he talks like one, but as a politician, he is as stale as week-old bread)
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/11/09/gop-debate-2024-body-language-00126300
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