Sen. J.D. Vance's (R-Ohio) beard during the debate could be seen as “conveying aggression,” especially to women, while Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's (R. (D-Minn.)'s wide eyes showed his passion. politiko We've finished our article analyzing body language cues from Tuesday night's vice presidential debate.
The article is written Joe Navarro, a body language expert who worked with the FBI, examined eight body language clues from the debate. He touted his participation in the National Security Division's elite behavioral analysis program and began his analysis with Vance's beard, which he called “significant.” In his analysis, he argued that beards can appear more threatening, especially to women, conveying what he described as “aggression and opposition to feminist ideals.”
He wrote:
One of the first pieces of nonverbal communication to emerge during the debate was J.D. Vance's face: his beard. As POLITICO Magazine previously noted, Vance is the first presidential candidate to occupy the White House. A beard will grow in 80 years. Our appearance is fundamental to our body language, and research shows that voters view beards as (surprise, surprise) more masculine. Some people may see this as a strength or ability and view it positively. However, for others, especially women, it can be negative, conveying aggression or opposition to feminist ideals.
Navarro cited several other things he took away from Vance, including the fact that he expressed “deep emotion and sincerity” by clapping his chest when discussing abortion.
“We don't know if Vance is real or not. We'll have to see him perform that gesture in another context,” he concluded.
Take a look — looks say it all: Watch JD Vance hilariously react to the trippy waltz:
Then Waltz made a series of faces and appeared wide-eyed multiple times throughout the night. But body language experts say it simply conveys the Democratic Party's passion.
When Waltz felt particularly passionate about something, his eyes widened like saucers. Eye popping can sometimes be a sign of surprise, but for Waltz, like this moment in the exchange about abortion, it simply reflected the intensity of his emotions. The orbicularis oculi muscle contracts in conjunction with the corrugator muscle and frontalis muscle to raise the eyebrows. Dynamic and emphasized facial movements attract the viewer's attention. Early humans would have made facial gestures like this to convey strong emotions, such as “danger approaching.”
“For Waltz, it gave his emotions extra weight and kept our gaze glued to them,” he concluded, noting that Waltz pointed directly at the audience during the debate, which could sometimes be seen as hostile or threatening. It was also mentioned that there is.
Regardless of the analysis, the part in particular that equated Vance's beard with sexism certainly drew ridicule.
“The battle against aggressive beards has begun,” says one X user I wrote.
“Politico keeps finding new ways to do more ridiculous things,” said another. said.
“Those eyes remind me of a Sith Lord.” said Another waltz added“This is ridiculous to a whole new level.”
“When there's nothing left, attack the beard!” another said. shouted Like other people chimed in.
Look — oh! J.D. Vance tells Tim Walz he has a 'tough job' protecting Kamala:
CBS News Vice Presidential Debate
After the debate, Vance received some grudging praise, with even much of the establishment media acknowledging that he had outperformed Waltz.
“Last night was fun! Remember: Kamala Harris has been in power for the past three and a half years,” Vance said in a post on X after the debate. “She opened the borders. She cast the decisive vote on trillions of dollars in new spending. The border and affordability crisis rests on her.”
“Donald Trump, by contrast, governed with common sense,” he added.
Look — what are you waiting for?! JD Vance on Kamala's plan: “The first day was 1400 days ago”
CBS News Vice Presidential Debate
