CNN

Has anyone considered the fact that front runners might have the resources to pay for image coaching? From what they say, to what they wear. Wouldn't this include some coaching on body posture, facial expressions, and hand gestures?

Give me a break.

I hate stuff like this - the media fixates on some innane, ultimately unimportant aspect of these debates and suddenly no one is paying attention to what was actually said becuase, well, so-and-so wasn't gripping the side of the podium.

You Americans use all the wrong criteria to judge the veracity of your politicians.

I had hoped to get some real news here, instead there is always glamour shots of Hillary and poor photo ops for anyone that CNN doesn't endorse (undeclared of course). No one has better "body language" than Romney. Found more in depth, objective coverage elsewhere. Don't look for it here folks.

I was very impressed with most of the candidates, especially Clinton, Obama, Edwards, and Biden. They all came off as extremely intelligent, prepared, and confident. Any one of them would make an excellent president. As a Democrat, I'm proud of the field of candidates we have, especially in comparison to the fanatical, fear-mongering guys the Republicans are offering. I already supported Hillary Clinton, but after this debate and the research I've done, she definitely has my vote.

CNN claims clinton as our next president cause she is the best CON-fi-dent. The debate was a joke, stupid questions that were made available to most all of the candy-dates. Not one real answer or question on what they are going to do so different other then play the blame game, thus this is why today the dems are talking body-style points! God please save our country!

I feel that Hilary Clinton did the best job over all of the other candidates. She has was it takes to get the job done compared to all of the other candidates.Go Hilary '08

The reason why this is important is that we want a president who is poised and confident in stressful situations. It doesn't just matter what people say – although that does of course matter a great deal – it also matters how they say it. You know how embarrassing it is to see our President in a conference.

Body language rules. Fortunately we don't have any real problems here in america to worry about.

Before CNN starts going down the road critiqueing their looks, maybe you can explain how it looked to those of us who wanted a real discussion of the issues, with equal time for ALL of the candidates to respond. Stop trying to pick our next president for us.

Has anyone noticed that the people that think body language matters are predominately from Texas? Just thought it was strange...

I'll meet you half way though, when candidates are close in views and ideals- it's hard to tell them apart- so I guess people will resort to look for body language.

Clinton was certainly composed and she knows how the presidency is run but that's part of the problem. Obama is less experienced but he seems to be the only one offering real change. Hillary would certainly be different than our current president, but fundamentally she would run things as they've always been run.

Furthermore, Hillary just kept shunting blame for everything over to the republicans and the president. Obama was the only one who emphasized uniting the country and crossing party lines. Obama's a uniter and Hillary's a divider. We do not need more division in our country right now. That's for sure.

Hillary is the most confident because she can face anything. She's shown it in the past and her body language reflects her strength. To me, Obama seems so calculated – almost like an actor...

Body Lanquage Expert? That's what FOX NOISE channel's Bill O'REILLY uses as a silly cheap gimmick. What's next, CNN, having a PSYCHIC expert discuss how the Candidates did?

I agree with comment about Hillary being a STEPFORD candidate. At the Democratic Natl. Convention I saw her sitting with Chelsea, SIPPING CHAMPAGNE like she was some Victorian la dee da Aristocrat, or the Queen. "Establishment" & representing New Richistan, just like BUSH.

Obama & Edwards were pretty good. Gravel was speaking some truth. If Dennis Kucinich wasn't physically SHORT & kindof like the "MAD Magazine What Me Worry? character, he might have a real chance of getting elected.

Oh, wait! BUSH looks kindof like the "What Me Worry" MAD Mag. guy, & HE got elected President. Go Figure!

Check out "MAD WAR ON BUSH" book by MAD Magazine, it's HILARIOUS by the way.

Anderson: You did a great job facilitating the Democratic debate.

One thing that CNN is doing that really bothers me. Could we do without the "body language expert", a "graph showing how people react" as the candidates talked, and anything else along that line? To me, this distracts from what is really important – the candidate and their responses to the questions. They should not have to be under additional pressure to watch body language, etc.

Thanks for this opportunity to email you.

I am pondering perhaps if George Washington pondered if body gestures were a requirement for political endeavors of this sort. I dare say not. Basically, I am just wondering if our country wouldn't be in better shape had we left off the political party concept. For the next president, he or maybe she is going to have to lead with more than hand gestures and poise in mind.

Well, if the American public isn't informed on bonified political issues, at least they have the skinny on body language.

I will take issue with Dimitrius on her comment that hands in pockets denotes nervousness. It also denotes casualness...and as with any language, it takes more than one cue or utterance to get the complete message.

Maybe a Hillary Clinton & Bill Richardson ticket???

I like Obama, but I just don't think he's got the experience behind him to take on a job like this. He needs a couple more terms as a Senator and then he'll be ready for the top job.

I am not happy with CNN.com. I could not watch the debates, thanks to your refusal to caption it.

You guys did not provide captioning for the deaf and hard of hearing viewers. Saying it is beyond your technological capabilities is bogus. I think it's time for some of us to start filing lawsuits to force CNN.com to do the right thing when it comes to captioning.

I agree with Brian P., who sees a possibility in Clinton/Obama for 2008.

These two would certainly make a STRONG Democratic ticket!

Some body language expert, out here in country we interpret those points completely differently. Hillary looked fake as she was trying to be prim and proper, Obama looked like a know it all and by the way we put our hands in our pockets when we are comfortable. Get out of Washington once in a while, come out here where real people are and learn something.

I was interested in the debae fro we got to see the people asking the questions in their own way. I did feel that CNN was prejudiced toward the big three. As for body language, when Obama was in a two shot he loooked like a 2nd grader who couldn't wait to get off stage in the school play. Many of the answers were the same generic pablum taht we have gotten from the previous debates. Gravel is allowed to be grumpy, they didn't give equal time. Anderson Cooper did a great job.

To "Anonymous":

The only candidate who is pandering is Kucinich. Listen to everything he says. He desperately wants people to love him.

Everyone up there is playing the game.

But Clinton is playing it well, you can't deny that. She gets my vote because I believe she would do the best job as president of the United States.

J. Scott – would you buy a used car from someone that wouldn't look you in the eye when you asked a question?

Clinton had a smug look on her face after every good response. I'm not saying she was thinking she is the best, but it really turned me off from wanting to actually vote for her. Anyone with a huge ego during a debate, much less in office, is nobody I want to vote for. I don't see how she could win the body language contest if this is my strongest memory of her during the debates.

All Hillary did in that debate was bash bush, something that almost everyone can get on board with these days, something she's very late getting on board with, and something that doesn't set her apart from any of the other candidates. 75% of the people in this country don't like the job he's doing. We want to know why you'll do better! Lumping yourself and all your fellow candidates together and talking about how awful bush is does not count as answering the questions well. All this propaganda about Hillary "winning" all these debates is laughable.

Her only thoughtful response was the one about the feud between Hillary and the Edwards on who is going to look out for women's rights more, and it was a terrible response. First she did some little cheerleader routine, saying (paraphrased)"Isn't it great that the focus has become who will better serve women's rights? Isn't that just awesome?" to roaring applause. How is that an answer? She goes on to say that she has been a woman all her life and thus has been fighting for women's rights all her life. Fighting for women's rights because you yourself are a woman is extremely selfish. Fighting for women's rights even though you aren't a woman because it's the right thing to do displays not only selflessness but a general respect for all people and a yearning for equality. The whole "I'm a better soldier for women's rights because I'm a woman" argument does not work.

The woman issue was also raised when the questioner asked about the critics who say she isn't "woman enough." She answers this by first claiming that the fact that she's a woman plays no role in her being a leader. Then she ends that response by saying that because she is a woman, if she was elected as a leader, the rest of the world would look at the United States in a more fond and respectful manner. But you just said that you being a woman makes NO DIFFERENCE, Mrs. Clinton; you can't have it both ways.

She panders to what she thinks people want to see/hear (people called her "manly" between these two most recent debates, so she went from wearing a dark colored, business suit-like outfit to this pink, feminine thing she had on), but anyone with real experience knows that you can't please everyone, and thus you can't let what people say about you affect your opinions and appearances. She claims that what she believes is what a majority of Americans believe at any given time, just so she becomes more popular. Well I'm not falling for her obvious pandering, and it sickens me that so many people in this country are falling for it.

All of the Democrat Party candidates besides Hillary are a joke.

Making a point that these clowns are challenging Hillary is like me challenging Shaq in one on one.

CNN has obviously decided that Hillary Clinton is their candidate for President. That's good....I want this phony coverage and idiotic debates to continue.

Let's see her body language when she is confronted next year by a "real" candidate with "real" executive experience (Governor/Mayor)Let's discuss all of the illegal activity and nonsense her family has gotten away with in the last 30 years......she doesn't have a prayer.

This pictures makes it appear that Clinton has nothing but contempt for her opponents and the public who wanted answers from the very large field. At this time my support stays with Obama on the Democratic side and Romney on the Republican

I have a "four point plan, five point plan" I wish all of them would just be quiet and American's for one second would actually educate themselves so they could see the media hype in all this and that politicians and CNN, all media channels etc... are out for ratings and rankings which all boil down to dollars. Where does all this money come from and what happened to the idea of public servant. And what has happened to true journalism. That might as well have been on MTV and if that is the audience you are seeking CNN then you might as well surrender now to becoming the next E channel and stop calling yourself news.

I didn't hear any questions about
the economy and how the US is going to
compete world-wide with all our buddies out there~Joe Biden was the most sincere~Bill Richardson didn't know how he got to the debate,
Hilary Clinton titled her head up looking down her nose to most questions. Is there anyone else?

I agree that Hillary Clinton won the debate as far as body language and sheer belief in herself and confidence.
I am not convinced she is what our country needs. Barack Obama cam in second as far as sheer confident body language. body language. What I like about Obama is his cool calm demeanor and "clean" vibe. I feel he comes across as someone with very good intentions particularly in the area of world leadership and diplomacy. I feel he is the only one with the intention and skills to negotiate a Middle East Peace, and to deal with the planetary bad guys. He did not hesitate when asked if he would meet with the problem leaders. I feel the other speakers were very good men but none of the others had the skills, the cool needed to be the leader of the free world. There were three speakers I was considering but then there was always some goof. One of them mumbled at times so you could not hear him especially when he was first starting up. One guy seemed like a real reformer but I didn't like his angry out of control tone. Bottom line I would pick Obama. I would be thrilled to see the first woman president but would be much happier with someone with a really squeaky clean image and someone not tainted by her husband sexcapades in the White House. I believe the Clintons are basically good people but I somehow cannot feel I could trust them.

If to win the "body language" battle you needed to seem robotic, cold, and scripted, then I guess Hillary did "win".

Newsflash folks... Looking Presidential is a huge part of the battle. If you don't "Look the part", you wont get elected... (Remember Dukakis in that helmet driving a tank)It was a death nail in his campaign. He looked like a little kid playing "soldier". He couldnt sell "it" to the the public. He didnt look like a commander of anything but the "Pretender In Chief".

Hillary Clinton needs to watch recent movies/tv shows and come off like those female "Presidents"... Or better yet, much like "M." (played by Judy Dench, brilliantly) in recent 007 films. (I.e. elegant, strong and as M said "Just because I am a woman, doesn't mean that I dont have the b*lls to handle this job")

I agree Hillary should have worn a better jacket (Her first Executive order should be to burn that thing) but the truth is that she stood out. She looked like the President and appeared surrounded by Vice Presidential candidates.

In response to M. Hemmat from NY who said, "This country had an amazing 8 years during the Clinton administration and we need that again. Hillary will be able to put us back on top. The US economy is in a slump because of Bush and the Republican party. Our Dollar is the weakest it had been in 3 decades and during Clinton’s 8 years we were on Top as a nation in everyway."

This was one of the concerns I had in earlier post in that people automatically connect economic prosperity to the Clintons and assume all will be right again with Hillary. Well, all was well because of dot-coms and inflated build up in the market and we have already off-shored a good majority of our production since then which has magnified trade defecit and it is not attributable to any political changes since Bill was in office so its hard to assume that Hillary will bring the same economic success.

Again, I think Hillary is a polarizing figure in politics and worry that electing her will not help unite our country. As Josh from Missouri put it, "Aren’t we all Americans first and Democrats/Republicans like…fiftieth?"

Isnt one of the biggest complaints of the Bush administration that they havent united the country and nothing can get done? How will this be any different with Hillary?

In my opinion, Americans want change and everyone is begging not to have more of the same so I hope that people take this to heart and choose any one of the uniting figures running. I just dont believe in my heart that Hillary is one of these.

WHATEVER – There are a few types of body language that could be used to describe this debate & article. None of which would/could be shown on YouTube.

How about facial expressions. Hillary didn't like Anderson Cooper making her answer a question and not dodge it.

I was very impressed by the way Anderson handled the debate.

No one is saying this is the sole determining factor. Yes, it might be a little too much information, but you all act as if the answers to questions were not covered. This happens to be a vital part in any election. Think about if you are interviewing for a job. How you present yourself is important. This is important. So is everything else. This is one factor. No one said this is the end-all-be-all. So calm yourselves down.

Since television became a household norm, Americans stopped LISTENING to what a candidate said or political analysts' take on their "record" and now, we have come to this.....

Who has the MOST Presidental appearance???? Not, who can best lead the country????

And, of course, now instead of substance we receive sound bites...

Until we stand up and say we want more, we'll get just what we deserve....

More of the same ~ smoke & mirrors versus leadership & vision.

Yes, Hillary probably seemed the most composed. But, the body language expert apparently wasn't paying attention all of the time. For example, Hillary OFTEN stood with her hands clasped in front of her (NOT with her hands on the podium). This is a classic sign that you feel threatened and need to "protect yourself" from an attack. She was seen standing with hands clasped behind her back on several occasions. This indicates that the person is "hiding something." Finally, the body language expert said that "Obama and Clinton didn't look at or acknowledge one another, as they did with the other candidates." Again, not true. I watched the replay and Clinton specifically nodded in agreement on two answers that Obama gave.

Finally, Hillary was the only person standing on a riser. I wonder if this was a request of her campaign, so that she would not come off as shorter than teh other candidates (and thereby portrayed, at least subconsciously, as inferior.) Or, was this CNN's planning, so that the candidates would all appear of equal height?

The American public and the citizens of the world do not want to hear mostly from the 3 leading presidential candidates (according to polls and the media) but EQUALLY from ALL the candidates. Let the American people decide in primaries who the leading candidates are. That decision will arise after giving EQUAL opportunity for responses from each and every candidate.

Wallace, I would disagree with the fact that Bush had a "wealth" of experience as a business person or as a politician. He was a failure as an oilman in Midland, TX and was in the right place at the right time with the Rangers. And I never felt comfortable with his limited achievemnts as governor.

I agree that change is what we need and that's why I would advocate someone with a record of achievement in actually managing an organization. Career politicians do not give us what we need.

Clinton was excellent all-the-way-around, but it was Edwards' eyes that grabbed me.

So does this mean the Clinton News Network has declared Hitlery the winner of the debate?

HEY! - Bruce, Franklin, TN

Be careful. Our current president was the Governor of Texas with a "wealth" of business and political experience. Change is what we need.

Also, keep in mind how close the primaries are in this election cycle. Several key states have moved the elections up - to January and February. It's not too early to start thinking about your candidate of choice.

Take care. And yes, I ask that you do the same - Keep an open mind.

CNN=Clinton News Network end of story!

Oh please....the cameramen didn't realize that many times their cameras showed the raised platform that Hillary was standing on behind her podium.

As usual, the replies here are all over the map as to who won and why they're convinced that their candidate is the best. Those of us who are open minded will wait for the process to unwind abit further. Otherwise, you might as well start early voting now.

We don't really have true statesmen(or women) running for office. Ever notice how senators and representatives typically are unable to achieve the presidency? Governors are much more likely to be elected president due to their executive experience and having to actually be responsible for their state while in office.

It scares me to death that people see someone with 2 years of senate duty as being experienced enough to be president or that a rich ambulance chaser could actually try to pawn himself off as one of the common folk.

Personally, I would like to see a competent business person try their hand at leading this country. We elected one as governor here in TN (Bredesen-Democrat)and he has done an incredible job of not only getting things done, but of crossing party lines in a common sense fashion.

In any case, hope everyone keeps an open mind as the campaign trudges on for the next 15 months.

Quote from an earlier post:
Fantastic. I’m glad that now we’re picking candidates based on body language rather than their words and records.

Bravo CNN, you’re continued lowering of the news, editorial, and political bar seems to know no bounds.

Posted By J. Scott : July 23, 2007 10:58 pm
End Quote

This really was unnecessary.

CNN reports on a number of stories every day. Yes, some of them might be a little off the beaten path, but I believe that this one is important.

Regardless of political affiliations, I would rather have a someone leading this country who was confident and strong. Anyone can learn to talk like that, but our individual subconscious habits (fidgeting, rocking back and forth during a presentation, etc.) are much harder to control. By being in control of those subconscious habits, people are creating an outward display in their own inner confidence.

Don't just assume that words mean everything.
Ever heard the saying: "Actions speak louder than words"?

As for the article: I agree that Clinton definitely appeared the more "professional" of the candidates, and am looking forward to the Republican version of the debate.

Shouldn't the differences between a male and female also be taken into consideration in this?

Will you PLEASE put a ticker on the website that tracks our nation’s debt and where our government is spending our tax dollars. Raising awareness for how our government spends our money and misuses the check book is core to everything. Money makes the world go round. ps. I really like your ‘Keeping them honest approach’.

Also, I was pleasantly surprised about the new format utilizing average citizens. It created a small town forum environment and significantly increased candor with the candidates.

Fortunately, more focus was placed on moving the country forward (replacing fossil fuels, paying down our children’s children’s debt, funding science, low graduation rates, rising extremism, should the US be the world police?, diplomacy…). Only so much time, but we need to understand these issues to move forward.

I am in...She convince me last night. She is very impressive and is what our country needs. Hillary is my candidate. She has control, knows what she is taking about and handles herself with dignity. She looks presidential and I am ready for her to take charge tomorrow.

Obama is gifted and he will have a great future once he does his homework and grows up he will be in line. He is got a lot to learn. Wanting to sit down with Fidel and Chavez did not set in right down in South Florida….He is inexperienced in foreign policy.

Mr. Edwards looks fake, nervous and really dropped the ball a couple of times… Richardson is a great candidate as well and very knowledgeable. The rest of the pack came across as 12 angry men and a nut case.

Politicians today seem to be the same group. Regardless of what questions you ask they all say the same things. Right know i think the front runners for both republicans and democrats are Rudy Giuliani and Barak Obama.

And yes i keep hearing all this support for Hillary but when i see pictures of her, even the pic attached to this article her eyes seem to be cold, calculating as if a hunter or a killer. i know this is one sided but the eyes are the windows to the soul and if you can't keep eye contact then i don't have respect for you. furthermore rolling your eyes when a republican speaks or someone you don't agree with just shows the lack of human respect she has.

Interesting comments. I'm a big fan of body language. It does reveal a lot of what a person is made of. I thought, for the most part, Senator Edwards was very poised and comfortable. He appeared natural and ready for anything. I liked that.

As far as electing another democrat with a bag full of promises, but no followup, the jury is still out for me. I'm waiting to see what we have on the other table before making any concrete decision. There's still so much time to assess the candidates and I'm definitely keeping my eyes and ears open for the timebeing.

I do like Elizabeth Edwards, however. Any chance she will run?

The Bottom Line is that Hillary Clinton was fantastic and is the prime candidate for President. This country had an amazing 8 years during the Clinton administration and we need that again. Hillary will be able to put us back on top. The US economy is in a slump because of Bush and the Republican party. Our Dollar is the weakest it had been in 3 decades and during Clinton's 8 years we were on Top as a nation in everyway.

I disagree with Hillary having the best body language on here, as body language isn't just from the neck down. Watch Hillary's face not just when she's speaking, but when others are speaking. In particular, watch her face right after she gave the answer about whether John Edwards is a better candidate for womens rights than she is. She did very well on her answer, but notice that right after that, she had this self-satisfied look on her face and any warmth she generated in the moment when she was speaking was gone when she stopped. I'm an actor, and based on watching her, I'd say that when she stops speaking and the warmth is gone,that's the real her. You can train anybody to say something, but what they're doing when the spotlight isn't on them reveals their true nature.

Does any evidence show that a "body language expert" is "expert" at anything more reliable than palmistry or phrenology? Your "expert" doesn't disclose her possible biases, but the responders seem mostly to have "seen" in the candidates' "body language" what they expected to see before the show started.

Richardson did a pretty crummy job.

I work for the state gov. the way Hillary talks and behaves is is typical suck up language: "first of thank you for this and that". Edwards seemed brushed all around too. Joe Biden is my guy, solid performance, looks and talks like a president of the world's superpower.

However, as I watched not all of the debate, one can only but wonder if America is none other politically, than true Socialism if not dictatorhip? This conclusion from a one who lived his younger life under Socialism/Dictatorship before migrating to America as a legal immigrant of 51 years and now a Staunch Conservative Christian Republican. It is mindboggling as to all that a President is now anymore and all that a president is now expected to do and most certainly, is already the case, especially having studied much about the hopes and dreams, that of the Founding Fathers. If these men would rise, they would simply be confused hearing all the hoopla plus the billions spent, actually wasted evermore in elections, etc. Those men now seing these monster Federal Government it has made itself into and with so much corruption, where it can only operate by borrowing more and more from anybody willing to lend a hand to America, as the National Debt becomes more and more a millstone around the neck of America's children. Yes, Communist China, the Christian persecuting nation being one of the great bankers for America, of dollars Americans send there every day as the personal storages is now one of the fast growing business all over America. Do I miss something? While another nation has now settled in as its language is now equal to English, while Americas guns shoot parts of the world to pieces, creating more and more its own problems!

sorry, I do not agree.... for what I saw:

Hillary is an ice pack: rehearsed and controlled...

Obama have this annoying "condecending-tone" that would drive me insane if I have to take a class with him...ggrrr

Kucinich is the worst kind of idiot in that stage!!!

Richardson needs somebody to re-connect him with reality.... is a lot of bravado and no much brain-process...

Edwards have to make up his mind... quickly... if it was left ot me, I'll vote for his wife instead...

Mr. Gravel needs to make more noise, I did not even knew him, period....

Biden make a few good points... demeanor was ok...

Dodd and Gravel got basically ignored... Kucinich SHOULD have been ignored...Hillary and Obama got WAY TOO MUCH tv-time....

liked the format.... hopefully the Republicans will be equally graceful...

Hillary seemed as if she had been trained to conduct herself as she did. I guess that is what all those years in government do... make you superficially poised and unable to answer straightforward to any question that was asked.

The more people get to know Obama the more they like him. He is the real thing. Hillary is slick and scripted and also an opportunist. In order to appear strong, she favored the war as much as Bush did until it bcame clear public opinion had shifted.

And one more thing? Since when did America become all about winning for our respective party? Aren't we all Americans first and Democrats/Republicans like...fiftieth? Personally, I'm sick and tired of this country going down the drain because we can't compromise anymore. I wish our representatives in Washington would get past their insignificant differences and do the job we HIRED them to do.

I watched Debate last night, Hillary did the best job, because she knows the right answer and have been Leader's position whole her life. She performed like the next President. Obama and Edwards was OK, but both missed the point of questions and stammed every single answer. Obama talked too much as the most inexperienced Senator ZERO with foreign diplomatic experience. New born puppy doesn't fear tiger?

I agree completely with Kevin. I am a strong Democrat, and I think that Hillary would make a great Senate Majority leader. But she is not the best canditate in this field for President. America needs someone who can take this country past its partisan bickering and make some positive progress. Barack Obama is clearly the most capable of doing this. He has a great record with Republicans in the Illinois Senate. He would make a great president. And he should bring Joe Biden with him as Vice President.

I wish Dimitrius had watched Clinton's face. She had this cool confident look much of the time which made her appear smug and aloof. As much as I like Clinton as a candidate, her impersonal manner can sometimes be too abrasive.

body language? What fool would judge the next president of the United States by their body language...I find these comments to be ridiculous and utterly pointless...

Honestly, I wasnt paying attention to what any of their hand gestures or body language was. I was more focused on what was actually coming out of their mouths. I have a tendancy to vote republican mostly because they tend to support the same issues & values that I do. But I also vote for the person, that I feel is best suited for the job. So I was really trying to learn about these presidential hopefuls. And I dont think its ever to early to start these debates, the more information we have the better!

Hilary looks like the typical female attorney trying to get into the good ole boys network. Ask any legal secretary if they want to work for a female attorney. They treat their secretaries like second class citizens and low lifes. She is soooo typical of one of those. Pompous, arrogant, man wanna be. She looks MEAN! I mean, wouldn't you, after years of being cheated on by your husband?

Even as a conservative on most issues, I think the world of Richardson, BUT his response to health care for ILLEGALS dooms him.

He would be better suited to be someones VP as he does have vast experience and would be great as a lead ambassador for this country.

Health care for illegals though is a killer, so they put nothing in and take much out, yeah, anyone been to the ER lately?

Body language makes up more than 90% of what a human being understands. One can learn a lot from watching some one's body language, including how they act under pressure, whether they believe what they are saying, whether they are lying, and if they are confident to finish the task at hand. While you need to hear what the candidates are saying you also need to see what the candidates are saying. Does anyone remember the saying your mom use to tell you? Actions speak louder than words. Thank you CNN for always being on the edge, trying something new, keeping your pulse on what the American people need (not necessarily want) to hear.

Why did this article just getted moved to the front of the pack at 8:54 EST? I really enjoyed the debate, but CNN sure packed the house afterwards with Clinton supporters, IMO. I just wish commentators could learn how to talk objectively rather than about who they like.

While watching the debates, I imagined each of them facing 9/11 as president. The only one I would want in that position is Joe Biden. He comes across as tough, disciplined, informed, and experienced.

Seems a bit trivial but unbelievably funny- at the hour and thirty four minute mark of last nights debate Bill Richardson farted so loud his microphone picked it up. If you listen for it you can not miss it.

Wow, this is hard-hitting journalism. Can we get a story on the candidates' bathroom habits, or maybe their choices in bedroom curtains? Send Wolf out on that right away.

The questions were the same old boring ones. What about the most important question, "WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IMMIGRATION". Who thought these questions up? Come on CNN get with it.

Could there be a less fulfilling job than studying body language? Of all the jobs you could choose and majors to study, someone chose body language?

I'm so happy to hear we are electing candidats by virtue of their body language and gstures. Nice waste of our time CNN.

Kevin of Cincinnati is absolutely right. Hillary Clinton as President will just continue to polarize the country. She evokes strong feelings of dislike, not only from conservatives and not only from men. I really think that the Democrats will give the election to the Republicans if they make the mistake of nominating her for their candidate.

Clinton may have seemed more confident but only because she's lied for so many years and about so many subjects that she is no longer bothered by it.

but body languange can also make an important impression on voters.

Please spell check before publishing to the world, ok? Who cares about body language? Do the candidates have substance and morality?

Those are more important.

I like Hillary a lot, as a 24 year old woman in engineering grad school I completely understand what she had to go through to get to where she is. I have read a lot about her and am very impressed by her personality and intelligence.

Unfortunately people in the U.S. do not see a strong, serious woman as a charming one and that is what bothers a lot of people about her. Because she wants to be taken seriously and that is considered annoying for a woman. But I have to behave that way every day, so do all girls that want to accomplish great things in society and that is precisely why we need Hillary, to get people used to seeing a woman in a leadership position.

It's probably too late for me, but I think our daughters and sons deserve to be brought up in a different world, that only Hillary can promise.

What's most interesting is the total blindeye EVERY candidate turns to the REAL reason why we're in Iraq...M-O-N-E-Y. The very same reason why we went to Vietnam. Col. Fletcher Prouty was totally correct. It's even more interesting senior bush was meeting w/ Bin Laden's cousin 2 blocks from the Pentegon when the plane crashed.

EACH canidate knows why we're there. They're all paying lip service and saying whatever they've been told to say which will get them elected.

What are they gonna do??? Tell the truth as to who is pulling they're AND bush's stings? I think not. As the FBI says "Follow the money".

I had a hunch but finally decided last night that I am NOT a OBAMA fan and I will never be. Body langauge, non verbals aside, his words are exclusionary with the race card always at the top. Tuskeegee Airmen? CMON! I really wanted to like him throughtout these months. I really was intrigued. He has sold out. No Julian Bond, for sure. He sidestepped the issue and went for the applause. Hillary was direct and fortright. I do like Biden's candor and style. He would be an effective VP with Clinton.

Body Language?! You have got to be kidding me! That is the stupidest thing I have ever heard of!

If there is no news it's okay to not report anything.

Seriously people, when two people are so tied in appearance on so many issues... body language and looks/appeal becomes extremely important. Believe it or not, most Americans have no clue what the real difference between Obama's and Clinton's agendas are – they see a young black guy and a woman running for president.

IMO Obama did well, I didn't watch the whole thing and he does ramble a bit still though this was clearly better than last time.

As a Democrat it is funny to see some many people in Hillary's corner. She clearly has CNN in her coat pocket. Everyone on the panel, (mainly women) who spoke on the debate said she was the clear cut winner. I personally was extremely impressed with Obama and thought he blew everyone out of the water with Joe Bidden in second. I wasn't and have never been impressed with Hillary. She does well in debate, but I am smart enough to do my research and I follow her and know where she really stands.
Now you say her body posture was presidential!!! What a load of crock. How was her body posture when her husband was accused of sexually assulting "3" woman which he denied. How was her posture when he was accused of getting a blow-job in the oval office which he actually tried to deny even though there was an abundant of evidence that said he did. (If Bill was an African American rapper or athelete, would he be jail by now?????) How could you be for woman rights and pretty much brush off sexual assault aligations. How was her body language when Chris Matthews asked her about pardons which her husband was know for on his last day on the job. (Injured someone who was convicted of sex with a minor.)
Hillary and the Clinton Machine is by fay the worst choice for President. They have a clear track record of scandal, lying, and cover up. You mean to tell me this is who you want in office after George Bush. Bill and Hillary had the Corruption Ball rolling way before George W arrived. Power does not discriminate. Man or female, if you were a corrupt First lady and a corrupt Senator, you will be an even more corrupt President.
Do YOUR research. Choosing someone because of Main Stream Bias, how they dress, how they stand, how quickly they answer questions, or who they marry is dumb and reckless. (And trust me, I am not bashing her because she is a woman. I'm pointing what many informed people already know, SHE IS A CORRUPT POLITICIAN.) Obama is taking the high road which will cause him to lose; however, the repulics will play Raw Politics and it will not look good for the Democrats.

I don't think body language is too big of an indicator when it comes to ideas. Yeah, I think it matters when it comes to police interrogations, and telling confidence levels- but as far as gauging whether or not they really mean what they say, or trying to assume whether or not you can trust someone is ridiculous. Some people have different nervous reactions for different reasons. To conclude anything from the body language is vague and irrelevant.

As for CNN being biased, I don't think so at all. They're more balanced and objective than any other news network I've seen lately.

Re Edwards' response: Ann Coulter was right.

There seems to be negative spin circulating around college students my age about Hillary Clinton (more so than among mainstream America), and for a while, I sort of bought into it. That was before I got serious about the upcoming presidential election (despite it being over a year away). I did my research, have watched the debates, have watched past speeches the candidates have made, etc., and my past superficial negative image of Hillary has faded away quickly. I now support her 100% and strongly feel she is the best candidate. I think too many people like to buy into the negative spin surrounding her and don't put aside their personal bias and not really give her a chance.

I don't agree with her completely on every issues, but I feel she has the most experience and the best ideas to hit the ground running in 2009 to initiate change as president. She consistently presents herself as an intelligent, confident leader, and always seems to come across the most "presidential" in the debates, even among all the men. I don't care who her husband is and whether HE was a great president or not. SHE is most certainly qualified ON HER OWN.

This MAN will be voting for a WOMAN in the primaries and hopefully in the general election.

WHY ARE WE JUDGING CANDIDATES SOLELY ON BODY LANGUAGE? IT'S ISSUES WE SHOULD BE CONCERNED ABOUT. THIS IS NOT HOLLYWOOD.

The title should also be changed to:
Clinton wins body language battle, one "expert" says

Clinton, to me, is the Democratic John McCain – politically savvy, name recognition and motivated by power. But both are ultimately hollow, and neither offers anything of substance for the American people. Clinton's campaign is all smoke and mirrors. She doesn't want to be president to make this country better – she just wants to be president.

And body language? Come on. Way to boil down the most important decision an American can make into a image contest. I want a president who is smart, cool-headed and has a solid plan for America – not one who ACTS like they do.

I liked Obama's youtube because he held true to his theme that it is about the American people and what we can do as an intelligent collective to turn this country to a new direction. Obama has vision. For those of you who think he lacks experience, the mark of an intelligent person is to surround themselves with those who do. What we need is vision and experience. Personally I hope Obama and Hillary can work something out.

Biden: responses were strong and emphatic. Obama: calm and deliberate. Edwards: displayed more of a nervous confidence, "I know what I want to say but, am I getting it across the right way". Clinton: cool, calm and positive in her responses.

Kevin in Cincy, as far as being disenfranchised with Bush, I served 20 years in the military, fought in two wars – both under a President by the name of Bush. Afghanistan is fine, Iraq is not. He's o.k. with more troops dying to prove that he's correct and the hell with 70% of the American population.

I would have asked them all: Do you believe that you can pull the troops out by the end of your term if elected. If you fail, will you give your word that you will not run for re-election?

It's a good thing we don't decide the president based off body language.

Senator Clinton had cosmetic surgery for this debate tonight. (Botox and a peel or even laser surgery). Changing her 'body language' tonight was just a ploy. She lost terribly in the last debate when she yelled loudly and furrowed her brow. This election is everything Hilary has planned for since she was a late teen in college and she means to win. After advice from others and watching herself in that last debate she made some strategic changes in her approach tonight. It is also very curious how she has agreed with John Edwards on several key issues making it look like she and he could be running mates. She is a cunning woman that is totally ensconced in the political system from the Good 'Ol Boy Network (Skull and Bones member). Don't be fooled by her botox and body language- if she were elected we'd be up the creek that much further than we are now. She's a female wolf in sheep's clothing. Senator Mike Gravel said it best when he warned us to 'Follow the Money'.

(I've done extreme research on all these issues and the candidates for the last 10 years, so I know what I'm talking about. Gravel is only running on the Dem ticket because he knows that Independents haven't won in the past. Refer back to some of my emails).

I am surprised that more people don't comment on Obama's rather arrogant demeanor at times. Additionally, I think that some of his replies and language are somewhat platitudinous and some even make it a bit difficult to know what he really MEANS. I don't think that he is or soon will be seasoned enough to be the leader of the free world yet. On the other hand, I think that Senator Clinton is proving her early critics wrong - she is becoming more and more comfortable and showing more of her true self and her refreshing sense of humor and warmth. I've never doubted her intelligence, her leadership or her ability to work hard. She has shown this in both her efforts as First Lady - her travels to other countries and meetings with world leaders, etc., and her work as the junior Senator in my state, where I think she has surprised some of our denizens by her diligence and careful attention to communities and individuals throughout the state. She is more calming than any of the other candidates and therefore, would be more reassuring.
I am also (and always have been) impressed by the fact that she (and in most ways, Bill, too) took such care to shield Chelsea from the potential harm the press and the public can inflict on a First Daughter or Son. Clinton's success as a mother, which helped to create a lovely daughter, has always spoken well for her, and she doesn't get enough credit for this.

What kind of crap is this? You have to be kidding me. Next time have a fortune teller give their opinions. Hey how come you didn't have this when Bush debated Kerry? Wonder who would have won in that debate? CNN just can't do enough for Hillary Corp. Please, just objective news. I know it's hard for you guys, but try.

They all did a good job, but it was clearly the Hillary show. She is way ahead of the pack, and surely the best choice. I think she'll make a great leader, not only of the USA, but of the Free World. Don't under estimate a Women leader. Remember Golda Maier in the 1967 war, and Margaret Thatcher in the 1982 Falklands war. They commit to winning. Hillary. will Change the World for the better.

The more I see Obama on stage, the more I think, that his time is not come yet. His answers are so shallow, his depth of knowledge does not show at all.

Oh! and Hillary, she is just too polished and there is nothing real about her. I want to see a woman president in America. But can't we find someone as smart as Thatcher, Merkel of Germany, or even that lady in Israel (what's her name, she is the head of the parliament there)..Just give me someone real and smart. Obama is real but not that smart, maybe in 10 years from now he will be ready.

Please...if you want to talk about body language, look at Bush's. He stumbles, stutters, and blinks like a mental patient.

Anyhow, wtf cnn? Is this REALLY worthy of coverage? It never ceases to amaze me that the MSM can completely overlook the law breaking of this administration and instead devote entire segments to what Senator Clinton was wearing, or John Edward's hair. Is the press intentionally trying to dumb down American political discourse?

unbelievable

body language, color of Hilaries' outfit, Gravel's anger

forget their stance on this issues, their record, their vision for our future - CNN really knows what is "important"

Biden called the withdrawal situation in Iraq as it is, not as the others would like it to be; Kucinich made his views clear whether one likes them or not; Gravel best represented how most of us feel – p*ssed off at the whole Washington political apparatus; Clinton, Obama, Edwards – the usual blah – blah – look good on camera and say what they think people want to hear with vague generalisms about they will make everything better – vote for me, humma humma.

Like Kevin, I would also call myself a moderate Republican, but I have to say the late 90s were pretty great and Bill's policies were unifying, even if he was not, though I share Kevin's concern about Hilary. Unlike Kevin, though, I think this administration has been shameful, damaging America's reputation around the world and further eroding confidence at home. If you can get over her scripted 'go-getter' persona, her policies are among the most centrist out there. None-the-less, I would rather see Obama and I would much rather see Boomberg.

Lame.

Body language should be a footnote worry for candidates when they prepare for speeches and debates. It should not be brought up in a CNN analysis.

Paris Hilton's weekend is more interesting that this report.

J. Scott's comment on this blog moved me more then most of the CNN debate. As for body language, I enjoyed Mike Gravel's anger. American's should be angry about what's happening in their country. FOLLOW THE MONEY!! Was anyone else insulted by CNN posting comments from political analyst on the online SURVEY!! If CNN wasn't trying to influence the survey, why else would CNN employ this tactic.

I'd also like to respond to Kevin in Cincinatti. Kevin, yes I feel President Bill Clinton did a great job. But I judge Hillary based on HER as a candidate. I'm not voting for her because I want Bill back. I'm not voting for her because I want ANYTHING but Bush.

President Bush is a terrible President. Hillary is going to be nothing like President Bush. Electing her as President IS a big change.

Jeffrey Toobin's commentary and analysis belongs in a tool bin. His obvious bias and partiality came through when he said "Barack Obama seemed inexperience and Naive" while consciously edifying Hillary Clinton. This outright attempt to create a false impression does not live up to the reputation of CNN and he shouldn't be allowed to give commentary on anything. Barack Obama did a really good job considering this wasn't even a debate... it was a Q & A forum. Jeffrey Toobin should go home and shut up.

Senator Clinton definitely looked the most Presidential. She IS Presidential, and she's the best candidate for the job.

I think Clinton is a good actor, nothing else

I think most of the candidates are a big JOKE, they say they would work for min. wage salary. What about all the perks they rec. on the side and under the table.
Anyone who takes money from OUR Social Security fund is nothing more than a common thief, you don't rob Peter to pay Paul.....They need to learn to operate on a budget.

I agree that this CNN debate was scripted and that Hillary was a composed as a school marm conducting class. Money generates confidence and Obama, Clinton, and Edwards all showed that sort of confidence. The top 2 were also like con artists though by having little substance in their answers. In this regard Richardson and Biden seemed to have done their homework. In the end, all these candidates show more confidence than Bush who has built his up defending lousey policies. I'd take any of these candidates over Bush for sure, and over any of the Republican hopefuls too.

Prim and proper yet strong and steadfast, as a woman should be...

Learn how to spell the word consistent.

Ted
SEATTLE, WA

CNN's format for debate is close to making a mockery of the seriousness of the topics–video's are poor quality -some questions waste time–stop try to be entertaining and choose to be of service to the American public/your viewers. Cooper is disappointing tonight.

I think they all looked very presidental and very at ease with the questions. They are all so intelligent and Edwards and Biden seem to have plans to get us out of our messopotania both were so passionate and so well versed. I think Sen. Clinton is so intelligent and speaks so well and so clearly on the issues.
Obama, Dodd and Richardson all to are so educated on the issues and just seem so smart. Almost all candidates
I watched to night could be president.
To me most all of their body language was presidential.

Hillary Clinton was the clear winner, she came off the stongest and had the best answers to the questions. I do think the question about Hillary being feminine enough was a stupid question to ask. Should Hillary be weak and delicate? Of course not, she is running for President of the United States! This is the 21rst century. What matters to me is not the fact that a man or a woman is running for President but who will do the best job as President and so far I think that person is Hillary Clinton. Hillary shows strong leadership which is why I and so many others support her. As far as the same sex marriage issue goes I say get off of that topic, there are far more important issues that we need to deal with such as national health care, record high energy prices, put a lock box on the Social Security funds to protect it from going bankrupt, ending the Iraq war and a great deal more. Anyway, I think Hillary is on the right track and seems to have the best plans on the major issues. Hillary gets my vote.

In terms of body language, it seems to me that not only is it completely obvious that Hilary is searching for memorized and canned material during responses but she has a smug smile while doing so...not to mention the fact that she avoids answering the questions asked.

As an impartial 20-something moderate republican, I have this question for democrats: you are so disenfranchised by the Bush white house that you are looking for a drastic change, but is that change to return to the way things were with Bill in office? The world has completely changed over the last 7 years and Hilary is clearly no Bill. I am troubled to hear so many say how much they loved Bill and therefore will vote for Hilary.

By electing Hilary, would we not just be swinging to another polarizing politician rather than uniting the country? As a moderate who is completely unimpressed with the Republican candidates, I can guarantee that myself and many other moderates would still vote against Hilary rather than a uniter such as several of the other Democratic candidates. Any thoughts?

and do you have anything to say about the OTHER candidates, CNN? disparity, indeed! even if your most irrelevant stories.

In the body language competition, Obama, Edwards, and Biden won. Obama used his attentive upright posture, finger to thumb hand pointing gesturing that this is what we are focused on. Edwards was one of the only candidates looking directly at the huge video screen when the YouTuber's video questions were being posed, and Biden used eye contact, direct eye contact when speaking on strong convictions. Wows all the way around!

They all lost my confidence vote.

People and pundits will try to parse micro-differences in the body language and answers of the candidates, but frankly, most of them came off as comfortable and confident. I could not watch previous debates because they seemed so scripted. Tonight I was more entertained, because the candidates were not so stiff and the questions were about relevant issues. I wonder whether the Republicans will try a similar format. Maybe all the Repub questioners will be like that guy with his gun "baby"

Apparently there are more people looking at 'body language' and 'appearance'. Among those parked on their couch brainwashed by incessant advertising, drooling at shows catered to those with the attention span of a goldfish. Have they forgotten what really matters? No. They are distracted by empty words. Flashy slogans and sound bytes. They are caught among meaningless wedge issues meant to divide, rather than concrete goals which may achieve a meaningful and productive end. No wonder everything is in such a mess.

Obama won. Hillary might be displaying confidence and strong character with her body language, but those are also the characteristics of dictatorial-like figures. Obama on the other hand is more like a preacher figure who wants to spread his words and there is a sort of opennes, unlike Hillary who makes me feel like "what I say is right, and you are wrong" – which is pretty much the slash and burn politics we all want to avoid.

Hillary Clinton did an amazing job tonight. She spoke with confidence and ease, debating and discussing the issues that are so important to America. As a 22 year old woman living under the Bush regime,I passionately and desperately desire a president who does understand that we can no longer separate women's rights from human rights. I am the future of America, and I want my role model and my leader to be Hillary Clinton, a confident and qualified leader.

Bravo to CNN and YouTube to introducing this radical and revolutionary debate format, you truly understand the new internet era we live in, and have certainly taken a positive step in connecting with the youth voters.

If Mr. Metzger was honest, he would recall a few times when the camera was right on Hillary Clinton's face and there was anger and disgust in her eyes because of a comment from another candidate or a question that was posed to her, such as the challenge of 28 years of Bush's and Clinton's and such as the challenge of whether a woman should be President, when many foreign countries do not respect female leaders. And, by the way, Mrs. Clinton, just because they'll meet with you doesn't mean they'll respect you.

What the heck. These so called experts are the same people who told America Bush was the best because you could have a beer with him. Yes, Clinton is really good at the Bush like soundbites. But she is all fluff and no substance where is her healthcare plan? Look what we they sold us in 2000 a compassionate conservative. Honestly, Obama won hands down.

Body language for president!
Maybe if Hillary would wear something more revealing. I'm not saying Lindsay Lohan style.
I like all the candidates.
Hard not to with all the bozos in the current administration.
John Edwards has my attention at the moment.
He is articulate and has a real plan for some of the problems in America.
Ex. health care and ending the war.

No, we are not going to elect people based on gestures, but some 90% of communication is nonverbal so it does indicate some level of confidence and trustworthiness, albeit it's not the most important factor in a debate.

And this wasn't so much a debate as it was a Q&A session among the candidates and voters. I for one thought it was a brilliant concept and felt it showed the candidates' true colors (i.e. Biden exclaiming that the only thing he likes about Kucinich is his wife, and Gravel's constant whining about being treated unfairly and incessantly going over his minutes, ignoring moderator Mr. Cooper).

I guess the thing that bothers me about these "debates" is that they seem like a rather cheesy political "American Idol". They seem like people running for sophmore class president. It's just too early to be doing these debates.

If we voted on hand gestures I would vote for Jim Carrey.

I agree, I think Mrs. Clinton did the best job tonight out of all the candidates. If body language loses an election, did you see Biden's hand popping up and down during the "How did you get here tonight question"?– ouch, and I really liked him.

BCP asked: "Yes, but have you seen her behavior whenever a republican is doing the talking? She rolls her eyes and shows no respect for her opponent. If that is how she feels about her opponents, how does she feel about their supporters?" - probably just like I feel, utter contempt.

How about the fact that he won the NH focus group for a headline versus body language. Obama won 33% Hillary got 8%

Didn't Hillary vote for the Iraq war?

It's easy to stay composed when there is no real debate going on. The only one with any substance to his answers is Joe Biden. Hillary looks like a well trained puppet up there.

What about facial expressions? Clinton consistently appears (even in the photo accompanying this story)haughty, self-righteous, and insincere. The only way to truly describe it might be "Stepford." Maybe that's what alienates so many of us?

get real, CNN...your varied camera angles and continued airtime disparity is going to trickle down to this blog too? Youtube this wasn't.

Yes, but have you seen her behavior whenever a republican is doing the talking? She rolls her eyes and shows no respect for her opponent. If that is how she feels about her opponents, how does she feel about their supporters?

Who cares about body language? Are we going to elect someone based on gestures?

Hillary did great tonight!!

HILLARY 08!!

nice job whoever the photographer was.

I saw nothing but deception in their body language. These people are coached 24/7 on how to talk,respond to questions, move, think, and appeal to the voter's feelings. Politicians know how to persuade and manipulate the voters to vote for them. The bottom line, they are selling you a Lexus and delivering a Yugo.

I feel that Clinton and Obama came across as the most confident and capable candidates. However, I feel that Obama performed the best. Clinton came across almost too controlled and a little flat at times. Obama was by far the most engaging of all candidates.

I was very impressed with Hillary Clinton tonight and I agree with the body language assessment. She is very confident. Obama did well too. Out of all the canidates tonight, I'd have to say I only see 2 real democrat contenders for the 2008 election: Clinton and Obama. And, if those two combine and run on a ticket together – it is a done deal.

My god please has anyone met someone who supports Hillary all these fake polls that you show when in reality the American people like Dennis ,Mike,and online its definitly Richardson but I'm a republican so it doesn't matter but cnn you are just the old media your biased in analysis

Fantastic. I'm glad that now we're picking candidates based on body language rather than their words and records.

Bravo CNN, you're continued lowering of the news, editorial, and political bar seems to know no bounds.

I think Senator Clinton is over rated. I didn't enjoy to much tonight.
I thought Obama and Biden did cool. Edwards was cool also.
Obama08

Sen. Hillary R. Clinton did an excellent job and I believe she has the ability and experience to be next President of the United States.

I agree with this assessment. Clinton looked confident because she is confident. She was quite simply the most composed tonight.

John Edwards, on the other hand, came across as fake - he tries too hard with his "presidential" hand gestures - very calculated. I didn't trust him at all.