Earlier today, Donald Trump's former campaign manager, Paul Manafort - and Rick Gates (Manafort's business partner) were indicted on multiple counts - including tax fraud and money laundering charges. Many people expected this - but what was not anticipated, was Robert Mueller's team disclosing that former Trump campaign adviser, George Papadopoulos was arrested in July. Mr. Papadopoulos has since pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI (with regards to Russian interference in the election) and he's now cooperating with investigators.
What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis of one question and answer dynamic Sarah Huckabee Sanders exchanged with a journalist. The nonverbal displays described are coincident with the red highlighted dialog.
JOHN DECKER (beginning at 7:27): Thanks a lot Sarah. I wanted to ask about Mr. Mueller's investigation. The President, at times, has called it, 'a hoax' and he's called it 'a witch hunt' - ahum, you've used similar type of language before as it relates to - his investigation. Last week you indicated, Sarah, that you believe Mr. Mueller is wrapping-up his investigation. Ahhhh, and I've heard similar things coming from other senior administration officials. Do you still believe that Mr. Mueller is in the process of wrapping-up his investigation?
SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS: We still expect this to conclude soon. Yes. Francesca?
During 7:30, Ms. Huckabee Sanders displays a Tight Tongue Jut - just as Mr. Decker says, "... I wanted to ask about Mr. Mueller's investigation..."
A Tight Tongue Jut indicates a Disdain, Disgust, and Distaste for an idea, experience, thing, or person/group. It's very analogous to what occurs when we try and feed an infant a food they don't care for - and they Push It Away with their tongue. The White House Press Secretary is very much Rejecting Robert Mueller in the same manner.
Be careful not to confuse this with a "Loose Tongue Jut" - which has a completely different meaning.
During 7:40, as John Decker continues his question, ".... you've used similar type of language before as it relates to - his investigation. Last week you indicated ...", Sarah Huckabee Sanders displays a "Hard Swallow" along with Extended (Longer Duration) Blinking.
A hard swallow is a general anxiety indicator.
A typical non-anxiety blink in a healthy person is extremely short-lived. The prolonged blinking exhibited by Ms. Huckabee Sanders is a blocking phenomenon. This is her psyche indicating she does not want to think about the investigation. In addition, in this context, in particular, it's also one form of diminished eye contact - and a behavior which is common with dishonesty and low confidence.
During 7:48, as Mr. Decker says, "... I've heard similar things coming from other senior administration officials ...", Ms. Sarah Huckabee-Sanders Pulls/Sucks her Cheeks Inward.
This dynamic of pulling/sucking the sides of the cheeks in - is indicative of HIGHER anxiety levels.
Ms. Huckabee-Sanders once again sucks her cheeks inward during 7:54 - 7:55, as Mr. Decker says, "... Do you still believe that Mr. Mueller is in the process of wrapping-up his investigation?"
Summary: Sarah Huckabee Sanders has considerable anxiety regarding Robert Mueller's investigation. Moreover, she is not being truthful when she claims that, "We still expect this to conclude soon."
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See also:
Body Language Analysis No. 4107: Paul Manafort, Robert Mueller, Russian Oligarchs, and Donald Trump
Body Language Analysis No. 4105: An interview with Sophia the Robot at the Future Investment Institute
Body Language Analysis No. 4103: Las Vegas Shooter, Stephen Paddock's and His Brother's Common (Behavioral) Denominator
Body Language Analysis No. 4101: Myeshia Johnson, the widow of Sgt. La David Johnson - Interview on Good Morning America
Body Language Analysis No. 4087: Harrison Ford Accidentally Punches Ryan Gosling in the Face - Blade Runner 2049
Body Language Analysis No. 4071: Fans' Reaction to Trauma - Young Girl Hit By Foul Ball at Yankee Stadium
Body Language Analysis No. 4027: Warning Signs - Police Officer Shot Multiple Times at Close Range
Body Language Analysis No. 3982: Bangkok Police Officer's De-Escalation Genius
Body Language Analysis No. 3944: Dwayne Johnson, The 2020 Presidential Election, and The Rock Dialing Up His Alpha
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