Body Language in American Politics

Body language plays a big part in all communication. We can hardly say anything without expressing more through the movements of our faces and bodies. It's no wonder - then - that body language has been displayed in American Politics.

When George Washington crossed the Delaware - according to the famous painting - he was showing a body language stance of confidence. He did this by standing erect with his hands on his hips. There is evidence of the same stance by Woodrow Wilson during a time when he was lecturing at a university and by Walter Mondale during his presidential campaign.

Many presidents and presidential hopefuls have shown body language signs of confidence and dominance. In the 1992 presidential debates - much of this was going on. Former President Bill Clinton - Ross Perot - and former President George Bush were all showing a palms down gesture that symbolized their belief in their superiority.

Another nonverbal cue of body language is a way you tilt your head back and hold it there. This has shown up in speeches by Mussolini - Roosevelt - George Wallace - and even Al Gore. It symbolizes a feeling of being disdainful - arrogant - and superior.

Sometimes - body language shows how uncomfortable a politician is. In 1988 - former Vice President Dan Quayle was speaking in a televised debate. His opponent came out with a rather cutting remark - and Quayle's response was an immediate "Adam's apple jump." This is a classic sign of nervousness.

The angle that you put yourself in relationship to others is a part of body language. Former President Richard Nixon was known for being uncomfortable around people. This was shown in the way he set himself at a ninety degree angle to others he was dealing with.

Much has been made of a 1988 Time magazine cover photo. It shows Jesse Jackson - who was making a run for president at the time. He is standing with his arms crossed in front of his chest. Some say this is a classic defensive pose. This may or may not be a correct interpretation of his body language.

A tense - pouting mouth can show uncertainty - frustration - and sadness. Photos were taken of former President Bill Clinton during the Monica Lewinsky ordeal. In them he is often displaying such a form of body language.

Former President Ronald Reagan and the Russian leader Mikhail Gorbachev had important matters to discuss at summit. There were times when they didn't agree. However - when they did agree - their body language showed it. At such times - they would face each other. They would also sit in similar postures.

A Republican pollster - R. Teeter - did an experiment about body language in politics. He showed people visual footage of politicians campaigning. They were doing their usual speech-making - hand shaking - and the rest. There was no sound - only video.

As it turned out - those who had only the body language of the candidates to read rated them the same way as those who knew their politics and views. It was shown that a lot is determined about choice of candidate by body language alone.

Body language has played a part in American politics and will continue to do so. As long as Americans can see who they're voting for - they will watch as much as they will listen. Thanks to body language - leaders are easier to judge.