Grand Gestures
I have been fascinated by the hand gestures of politicians for a long time. You can really tell a great deal about a person through the manner in which they use their hands to get a point across. The pictures above demonstrate four very different people using four different types of hand gestures. I chose these specific gestures because they are the definitive gestures of each person in my opinion.
BILL CLINTON
Bill's patented "modified finger point" -created by bending the index finger back towards yourself and around the thumb to "soften" the blow of a direct point- became so synonymous with him that every impressionist on earth (myself included) incorporated it into his impersonation. As to my interpretation of what this particular gesture says about Clinton, I believe it shows that he is calculating, practiced, shrewd, and a bit disingenuous. The gesture is a very cognizant choice because it does not come automatically. The direct finger point is the more involuntary gesture, and it's the one Clinton used in his most "raw" moments as president, including the infamous, "I did not have sexual relations with that woman" comment. When the polished politician is overtaken by anger and frustration, that finger straightens out, and the thumb braces rigidly against the remaining three fingers. Really, if you make the gesture right now, you'll notice that you're only one thumb tuck away from forming a perfect fist for punching someone's lights out.
GEORGE BUSH
George uses this "barely modified direct finger point" quite often. Usually it follows in exact rhythmic meter with whatever bad bill or policy initiative he is "urging" congress to pass. His hand with the finger pointing will fall with each word he is saying "I... urge... the congress... to pass... this... bill." It doesn't take a rocket scientist or a body language expert (of which I am obviously both) to assess the transparent message behind George's gesture. It's an unambiguous, "Do what I say to do. Period." So even though it doesn't really call for too much analyzation, I will provide my personality trait assessment for the sake of continuity in this exercise. I think this ubiquitous gesture in Bush's very limited arsenal shows that he is rudimentary, petulant, privileged, cocksure, and myopic. Also, by its very nature, it shows that he has no self awareness or concern about being self aware. After all, what studied and self aware politician would use such an overtly aggressive gesture when trying to win people over? Too easy, I know, but again... continuity.
HILLARY CLINTON
Hillary's "all fingers and the thumb on board" open hand gesture is one I've seen her use quite a bit during her stump speeches. It has a certain Roman Senator air about it. I think she uses it as a gesture of inclusion and to convey a complete understanding of whatever topic she's discussing, but in some ways I think it can create a sense of separation from the audience at times. All the fingers and the thumb are united to form a wall between the crowd and herself. It's not aggressive or confrontational, just a bit controlled and prepared. I think it reveals that HIllary is uncomfortable with spontaneity, has a steady and measured approach to problems, and is very smart. Unlike certain gestures which can be repeated a number of times in a debate or speech, this gesture can border on robotic. It has that "Lost In Space" robot feel after a while.
BARACK OBAMA
Obama's minutely altered version of the George Bush "modified finger point" actually proves that slight adjustments to a gesture can alter the connotation. The difference between Obama's gesture and Bush's is the subtle bending of the index finger and angling of it away from the audience. Whereas Bush's index finger climbs up over the thumb and cranes down upon the audience like a vulture peering over the edge of a cliff, Obama's gesture merely seems to be emphasizing his point. The gesture conveys to me that he is affable, non-confrontational, thoughtful, relaxed, and confident.
Now, who do you think I'm supporting in this election? Yeah, talk about transparent. I'd love to hear others' views on the various gestures.
Labels: Bush, Clinton, hand gestures, Obama, politicians
posted by Chris at
6:58 PM
11 Comments:
It's an interesting theory. I do wonder how much of what you think you're reading from the hand gestures is based on what you already know about each person.
Tangentially related: this article compares Clinton's and Obama's Senate records: http://tinyurl.com/32j2q7 . Not to give away the surprise ending or anything, but Obama's accomplished a lot more.
Also tangentially related is the Onion's summary of Obama's positions: He supports hopes, and also favors dreams.
Also I'd just like to point out to any outsiders, say people from adoption agencies, what a smart theory this is, and how much your son or daughter will benefit from any observations similar to these that you might make in any context.
All politicians are adept at all of these stifled hand motions. There are very few gestures to use that are world-appropriate, so the thumb up making the point, the wave, the gentle point, and the variants are all the same (culturally speaking).
For example, pointing is rude in asian cultures, and many other gesticulations are deemed rude in so many other countries, that the constrained hand usage you see is a direct result of globalization.
If only our country could choose not to offend with weapons.
What about the fact that, except for Bill Clinton, they're gesturing with their left hands?
Slate had an article yesterday applying the Meyers-Briggs personality test to the candidates: http://www.slate.com/id/2184696/
You are so right. I mean left. I mean, well, you know what I mean. Did you notice the motions with their hands? Clinton always pushed his forward, like when you use your knuckle on an elevator button (except when he was pissed); Bush points his like he is aiming a gun (of course); Obama does the roll forward with the back of the hand out, which is much more welcoming; and Hill does the same motion my Italian Grandma from Jersey City used to when she would say "Eat! Eat!"
My grandma wasn't full of bullshit though.
Funny, I didn't notice the left handed thing. I do know that both Bill Clinton and Barack Obama are left handed though.
I love the Italian Grandma comparison. "Heya, Bill, whya you mess uppa my campaign witcha bigga mouth, huh? Idiota!"
Obama's hand and finger gestures, as well as his posing postures, are so repetitive and noticeable, they make me sometimes wonder if he uses Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) or even some kind of covert hypnosis when he gives his speeches. This might sound far-fetched but it could explain why he is so "spellbinding" to the young. They are already hypnotized from their excessive use of television, ipod music, videos, video games, etc. They would be the most accessible voters to reach for a candidate using subliminals in advertising and marketing. This campaign is all marketing. And we are all able to be manipulated. Some voters are definitely easier to reach using advertising and marketing. Obama has the best access to the advertising capital of the world -- Chicago. Of course, he's using it. Obama is a composite commodity -- Wonder Bread for the middle-class and the fed-up. Polite Thanksgiving stuffing in a suit.
Obama uses his hands so much (too much, IMHO) that it's distracting. I'm watching him now on Face the Nation, and thankfully he just clasped his hands and rested them on the table. Gave my eyes a rest.
Interesting article.
What does Obama's hook hand gesture mean? Even his daughers do it? I'm Italian and to me that means a man is "cheating"
These gestures are masonic signs of recognition
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