Ashton Carter was sworn in earlier today as the United States Secretary of Defense, replacing Chuck Hagel.
During the swearing-in ceremony, when Secretary Carter was speaking, Joe Biden put both of his hands on Stephanie Carter's shoulders and whispered into her right ear.
Watching the above video will alarm the vast majority of people. Encroaching into another person's personal space - indeed here into Stephanie Carter's intimate space sets off alarm bells. Among other things, such behavior strongly suggests disorders of empathy. Social violations of space are intimidating - and are thus used by some in power as a deliberate tactic - although with many it's subconsciously initiated. Yet the Vice President commits this nonverbal faux pas so frequently that we should consider other possibilities.
The two most common causes of those who violate the rules of proxemics are Narcissistic Personality Disorder as well as some within Autism Spectrum. Make a strong effort to separate yourself from the bias of politics. Do you think the V.P. is a narcissist? Does he exhibit any signs consistent with high-functioning autism such as Asperger Syndrome?
It's also important to note that the nonverbal signal on Mrs. Carter's face indicates contempt.
See also:
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3104: 2016 Presidential Candidate Hopeful Gov. Scott Walker - and a Body Language Signal which a Leader should NEVER adopt
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2148: Joe Biden vs. Paul Ryan and the "Self-Righteous Head Wiggle" in the Vice Presidential Debate
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2146: Biden vs. Ryan Vice Presidential Debates - Both Candidates Displayed Body Language of Contempt
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2149: Losing Votes with the Double Index Finger Point - A Faux Pas Nearly Every Time
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2981: Wendy Davis, the Governor of Texas, Book Covers and Projecting the Wrong Emotions
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2192: Senator Elect Ted Cruz - "So by the third debate, I’m pretty certain Mitt Romney actually French-kissed Barack Obama" A Body Language Red Flag
Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2973: Rand Paul's Body Language Tells Us His Plan B for 2016
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