Debate observation

[scribblinlenore]

Okay, this format is seriously awkward, for both candidates, but especially for John McCain. When he has to listen to Obama answer? And he kind of stares into the camera with big, blinking eyes of doom? He looks absolutely batshit CRAAAAAZY.

Comments

[viggofest.livejournal.com]

Meant to finish with: the limited neck motion or the tendency to rotate the whole body to look to the side gives him a robotic-like movement. At the end of the day, I think the easiest form of expression he has is blinking his eyes.
I wouldn't mind goofy looking presidents, but I fear it highlights his age/health and that becomes an Issue.

[scribblinlenore.livejournal.com]

*nods* I am aware of McCain's physical issues, and I never think twice about how he stands or moves or gestures. What was striking me last night, and in all the debates, was how much disdain he was expressing for Obama, and I think quite purposefully, as a tactic.

That's how I read the blinking anyway. It looked like a calculated reaction, because when you blink at someone like that, it means: I can't believe you're saying that. You are so full of shit. Only it backfired, because it just made McCain look sneering and a little unhinged. And it's not just Obama he's sneering at, either. He had a similarly disdainful expression when he was putting women's health in air quotes. For me, it's like George Bush's smirking. It's not just an unfortunate mannerism. It speaks to character.

Of course, all of this is highly subjective. And your mileage may well vary! We can agree to disagree. :)