http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/11/us/politics/body-language-debate.html?_r=0
From the beginning of the debate to its conclusion, the two candidate's body language demonstrated the hatred the two candidates share. Trump crept closer and closer to Clinton while she was speaking until he was immediately behind her. Trump was attempting to dominate Clinton while she was speaking to control the people's attention even while he wasn't speaking. Trump's close quartering also could be seen as an attempt to threaten Clinton in an attempt to make her misspeak. Trump also had a common movement during the debate. He would pace back in forth in the background while Clinton would speak, likely trying to ease any nerves he had.
Clinton on the other hand, was very professional in the large majority of her mannerisms during the debate. While Trump attacked her husband for his misdeeds in office, Clinton kept aa blank expression in order to not show any reaction towards the hateful remarks made. In doing so, Clinton illustrated that her presidency would not have her husband's ghost and that she will be strong in the face of backlash by the people. Despite her vast experience, Clinton did make a small mistake during the debate. When speaking, Clinton looked down more than usual, showing that she was less prepared during the debate in comparison to the first debate.
Question to consider: Which candidate hurt themselves more with their body language during the second debate? Why?
As much as it pains me to admit it, I believe that in this debate, Trump won in terms of body language. He was rude but most importantly he was animate. He seemed enthusiastic in his movements, and that rallying, spirited version of Trump is the version that seems to resonate with people. Additionally, Hilary Clinton is frequently criticized for her preparedness (this is, no doubt, related to Madelyn's post about gender stereotypes). Paradoxically, her being very proper may have contributed to this stereotype and harmed her more than it helped her. What people need to see, whether it is fair or not, is for her to speak from the heart. She needs to move around and excite people, as Trump has done.
ReplyDeleteI actually disagree with this comment. Although Trump did seem more active in his movements around the stage, his close "lurking" behind Clinton has been crucified by major media outlets in the debate's aftermath. I believe that this debate was crucial for winning over the swing voters, who are generally more moderate. Thus, Trump's unconventional methods that had previously garnered him more votes may not have appealed to the swing voters. In the wake of his sexual assault scandal, it seems that swing voters, and the Republican party in general, were hoping that the debate would display a more sophisticated and "changed" Trump in order for his apology to seem more genuine. However, his encroachment on Clinton's personal space painted him as threatening, reinforcing the public's negative perception of Trump's superiority complex (especially towards women).
DeleteThis debate also seemed to be the deciding factor regarding the Republican party's support for his campaign. The Republican party has withdrawn their financial support for Trump's GOTV activities in major swing states, symbolising his failure in the debate to erase the negative impact of his scandal. Although he might have done better during this debate compared to the last, I believe that his performance was not good enough to overshadow the implications of the leaked video tape; Clinton and her campaign (who probably timed the release of the tape to coincide with the debate) won this debate.
I agree with Alex Lee. Trump had overall confidence and his body language showed a lot of enthusiasm and determination. Trump knows how to get support based on his actions as he often can rally up applause and a big crowd.
DeleteI disagree with what Alex is saying. I do not think that Hilary's preparedness hurt her. I believe that it is vital she prepares for the debate and carries herself professional in everything she does mainly because of the gender gap. If she were to act in a way even close to the way Trump acts many people would characterize her actions as "unlady-like," "ill-prepared," and may even go as far as personally criticizing her. Hilary already gets criticized for her performance because she is prepared, which shouldn't be considered a bad thin; imagine the critiques she would get if she wasn't as prepared. I do agree that the people want to hear the blunt truth at times, but I believe Hilary tells the blunt truth in a highly professional way, contrary to the way Trump speaks.
DeleteI wouldn't name either as a winner; Trump was on the offensive and appeared larger in order to counter recent attacks by Hillary and the media over his recent controversies and Hillary remained more subtle in order to let Trump over-talk and "blow up himself". After the debate, its logical to say that Trump did appear more dominating, but still hadn't completely shaken off recent attacks, while Hillary's calmness did not work because Trump did not over-talk himself this time around.
DeleteI agree with Alex. It felt like Trump had more confidence. He possessed assertive body language. He had a better stage presence than Hillary. During debates, He also does a good job of trying to dominate the debate at times. He still makes sure not to go overboard which is what Hillary wants him to do. Trump is a more entertaining person than Hillary and coming from reality TV, he knows the kind of image people like.
DeleteI agree with Alex. Trump's demeanor that night showed the kind of rhetoric that resonates with the people. Loud, simple, and easy to understand. He did really well in terms of holding his ground and not get sucked into the traps that Hillary tries to bait him into. He also did a better job of being more stern and taking an aggressive stance towards Hillary. Lastly, I feel like Hillary's over preparation actually hurt the chances of her winning that night because she seemed to try and recall all the answers she prepared beforehand instead of speaking from the heart like Alex said.
DeleteI agree with Cheryl and believe that Trump's body language caused a negative reaction. While some of his sexist supporters may have seen it as powerful and dominating, other saw it as weird and terrifying. Even SNL was quick to point out the creepiness of his lurking on the stage and when I was watching it I was disgusted immediately. Many people viewed his body language with disgust and I do no think that it helped him. I think Clinton's mannerisms were professional and I think Trump's supporters are aware enough to realize that Clinton's professionalism is what a President should have.
DeleteI believe that many voters who base their political beliefs on emotional appeals would see Trump as a dominant figure who could whip America back into shape. Many citizens believe Obama to be a coward and seeing the intimidation of Trump causes them to receive a false sense of safety. They are tired of the imminent threat of ISIS attacks and domestic terrorism. People want a change and it seems that Trump is their best option.
ReplyDeleteI think this question is difficult to receive unbiased answers from. Those who supported Trump saw his pacing and interruptions and powerful and influential, while those who opposed Trump saw his body language as rude and inconsiderate to Hillary. Although I don't believe that body language could have completely carried the results of this election, I think that somehow for those swing votes some people saw his behavior and decided to vote for him. I don't think that Hillary's behavior of looking down hurt her in any way. Her loss of the election was due to factors other than body language.
ReplyDeleteThe public already sees Hilary as weaker because she is a woman. Though she was presenting herself gracefully, people will unfortunately be drawn to Trumps assertive stance and also like his confidence. Hilary seemed timid and unsure of herself and it did hurt her in the debate.
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