Newswise — "This presidential contest is over stability for the country versus mobilizing in new directions, and the candidates embody that choice," say three Certified Movement Analysts: Karen Bradley of the University of Maryland, Karen Studd of George Mason University, and Jennifer Mizenko of the Election 2008University of Mississippi .
"We have not had this clear a competition in many years," says Bradley, a visiting associate professor and director of graduate studies in dance at Maryland .
The three say John McCain is a man of solidity and immovability. His ability to plant himself, hold on to the sides of a podium and hold his ground provides his supporters with a sense of comfort that he will remain steadfast. Contrast that steadiness with Barack Obama's gaze to the future, his ability to cover the ground as he strolls about the stage space, leisurely, relaxed, and open.
"Both men have a clear sense of taking stock internally and both are innately private. That may surprise some of their supporters, but it bodes well for their individual abilities to take care of themselves in times of great stress," says Associate Professor of Dance Karen Studd. "But there is a clear difference in their preferences for how they express that interior caretaking. Senator Obama has an ease with his inner focus, whereas Senator McCain demonstrates some tautness internally. You can see it in how tense his jaw is."
The three analysts are also interested in watching the relationships each candidate reveals with his wife, and note that, whereas the voters have seen Barack and Michelle Obama interacting, they have not seen John and Cindy McCain together very often. "The sense of a team effort is clear with the Obamas whereas the McCains come across having separate roles" says Mizenko - who is an associate professor in the OleMiss theater department. "The potential role of First Lady as a full partner or as a discrete entity is therefore another difference between the candidates."
All three movement specialists say they'll be watching carefully as the campaign battle shapes up over the next few months: Will Obama develop a stronger and more settled tone? Will McCain open up and go with the flow more readily? Will the McCains make more appearances as a team? Will Michelle Obama settle into the background a little more? Each says the most important question for the American people will be, "What will we know about each man by November?"
Maryland's Bradley says, "Movement reveals a great deal about a person's decision-making style and ways of taking action. The American people need to keep an eye on the candidates' behaviors as much as what comes out of their mouths."
Karen Kohn Bradley, Karen Studd and Jennifer Mizenko are all Laban Certified Movement Analysts, who study the nonverbal and movement behaviors of political leaders.
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