Body Language Analysis No. 4178: Donald Trump, "I'm the Least Racist Person", DACA ... and Kevin McCarthy's Anxiety - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

On Sunday, Donald Trump arrived at his International Golf Club in Florida. House Majority Leader, Kevin McCarthy was by his side as the President fielded questions from the Press. What follows is a partial nonverbal analysis of this exchange.

After proclaiming, "No, no, I'm not a racist, I am the least racist person you have ever (pause) interviewed, that I can tell you ...", and answering questions regarding North Korea - as well as DACA, and a possible government shutdown - Kevin McCarthy's nonverbal displays grew increasing noteworthy.

In this close crop of the above screen-grab image, the House Majority Leader's Central Forehead is Contracted (CFC) - and, along with his inner (medial) eyebrows - are elevated.

Crucially, any CFC must be interpreted in the context of simultaneous mouth configuration. As the corners of Representative McCarthy's mouth are down-turned, his overall facial expression projects Emotional Pain.

The camera angle doesn't pan-outward to a wider angle until the subject returned to DACA - but when it did we can see that Representative McCarthy was twisting his wedding ring. Immediately prior to our view of this, President Trump had been speaking about North Korea, a possible government shutdown, and denying he was racist.

Summary: Twisting one's ring - particularly a wedding ring - is a reliable symbol of anxiety. The conjunction of such ring rotation together with McCarthy's facial expression of emotional pain - telegraphs an amplified anxiety level. Representative McCarthy was anxious, beta, and emotionally uncomfortable standing next to President Trump.


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See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4177: DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen regarding Donald Trump's "Shithole Countries" Statement

Body Language Analysis No. 4175: Senator Dick Durbin Regarding President Trump's "Shithole Countries" Remarks

Body Language Analysis No. 4173: California Mud Slides - Rescue and Surprise

Body Language Analysis No. 4171: Stephen Miller's Creepiness & Jake Tapper, Volume II

Body Language Analysis No. 4162: Is Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson Going to Run for President in 2020?

Body Language Analysis No. 4151: Donald Trump at FBI National Academy Graduation

Body Language Analysis No. 4144: Donald Trump Touching Mike Pence on the Knee in the Oval Office

Body Language Analysis No. 4123: Jason Momoa, Aquaman, the Quindent, and a Secret 

Body Language Analysis No. 4095: Celtics' Gordon Hayward Breaks His Leg in Dramatic Fashion During Game with Cavaliers


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Body Language Analysis No. 4169: Donald Trump, Kevin McCarthy, and Robert Mueller - Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

On Saturday Morning (6 January 2018), Donald Trump met with Republican Leaders at Camp David. What follows is a nonverbal analysis of House Majority Leader, Kevin McCarthy's reaction to the President's answer to a journalist's question regarding the possibility of Trump meeting with Robert Mueller.

Journalist (beginning at 18:13): Mr. President, if, if Robert Mueller asks *you* to come to speak with his committee personally, are you committed, still, to doing that? Do you believe that [inaudible] -

President Trump [over-talking]: Yeah, just so you understand - just so you understand - there's been no collusion Ω - there's been no crime - and in *theory* everybody tells me I'm not under investigation - maybe Hillary is, I don't know - but I'm not. But, there's been no collusion - there's been no crime ...

Just after the first time President says, "... there's been no collusion ...", Kevin McCarthy (who is standing in back of Donald Trump's left shoulder and partially obscured by his head) displays a rapid series of nonverbal signals (a cluster).

18:24 - Representative McCarthy closes his eyelids for a prolonged duration. This signifies psychological blocking behavior - the Majority leader's logical brain knows what the President just said - and yet his emotional brain wants to block it out - e.g., "I can't believe he said that!" This represents a form of emotional processing/disbelief.

18:24 - His eyes remain closed (more blocking/disbelief/emotional processing). He also begins to express Disgust. The tilting-backward of his head/neck (in this context) is a Disgust Amplifier.

18:25 - McCarthy's Disgust persists. He then exhibits a Hard Swallow - which betrays his anxiety with the president's statement of "... there's been no collusion ..."

18:26 - 18:28 - Representative McCarthy rapidly bounces on his toes. This further telegraphs his anxiety regarding the President's "No Collusion" statement.

What significant nonverbal signal of Donald Trump's did you observe associated with his qualifier of:  "... in theory ..."?

Summary: The House Majority Leader, Kevin McCarthy is both incredulous about - and feels disgusted toward the President's repeated claims of, "There's Been No Collusion". Moreover, this gives McCarthy significant anxiety.


Group Appearances and One-on-One
Online Courses Available 
702-239-8503
Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com


See also:

Body Language Analysis No. 4168: President Trump's Hands - Conspicuous by their absence

Body Language Analysis No. 4166: Logan Paul's Apology 

Body Language Analysis No. 4164: Emmanuel Macron's Rapport Destroyer

Body Language Analysis No. 3251: (REPOSTING) Donald Trump's Response to the question, "Have you ever asked God for Forgiveness?"

Body Language Analysis No. 4120: Robert Mueller's Nonverbal Metaphor

Body Language Analysis No. 4111: Selena Gomez, Francia Raisa, and a Kidney Transplant

Body Language Analysis No. 4104: Walter Cronkite Reaction to JFK Assassination

Body Language Analysis No. 4065: The Murder of Laci Peterson - Scott Peterson's Red Flag

Body Language Analysis No. 4026: Aubrey Plaza, Ingrid Goes West, and Emotional Intelligence


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3336: Donald Trump, Kevin McCarthy, Deception and Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

When evaluating for possible deception there are a multitude of characteristics - nonverbal, verbal and paralanguage which are often overlooked - and indeed relatively rarely known. While not alone in these qualities, particularly among politicians, Donald Trump displaces many of these on a regular basis. The following are four common characteristics of possible deception which are scarcely discussed. 

1. Low Verbal Variation: Donald Trump, in his public appearances - both political and in settings from years past, has used and continues to use a vocabulary equivalent to that of a 3rd or 4th grader. This has been measured by linguists using widely accepted algorithms. Such limited vocabulary enables a person to lie easier. When you don't have think as hard (or speak in depth) - it enables more "brain power" for lying.

2. Low Nonverbal Variation: Mr. Trump's body language is very similar to his verbal vocabulary - in that it has a limited in variety of expression. A good fraction of Mr. Trump's face and body movements chronically exhibit what amounts to "nonverbal monotone". His hands, arms, face, etc. default to his limited cliché body language repertoire. Thus when he does tell a lie, it is relatively easy (compared to most other people) to force himself into an autonomous nonverbal behavioral subroutine - much like an athlete who has good form despite being tired or stressed (sometimes colloquially referred to as "muscle memory"). Unlike the athlete however, this somewhat analogous physical behavior is used to deceive rather than to win at a sporting event.

3. Hyperbolic Nonverbals: Some who read this may know of the phenomenon where a person may "put on" a behavioral neutral "mask" - or "stone face" or "poker face" in the midst of a deception (or for a longer period such as in a courtroom/trial). This is one behavioral signal of possible deception. Yet the opposite is also true - those who always/often/contextually display extreme nonverbal behaviors - which, when compared to the vast majority of others in similar situations - are significantly out of proportion to the social context - are also often lying.

Call into your memory a classroom theatrical production from 7th grade. Remember those grandiose facial expressions and dramatic hand/arm/body language displays? These are very commonplace and even somewhat encouraged because of the physical distance the actors are typically from an audience. Mr. Trump chronically displays similar dramatic nonverbal signals. These extreme amplitudes of body language behavior also cloak deception. An analogy would be using a lot sweet "chaser" after (or before or during) the taking of bitter medicine. The extreme body language covers up the deceptive tells that would otherwise be visible - allowing the liar to dilute his poison.

4. Paralanguage Variation: Much like low variability of the spoken word language as well as body language, paralanguage which is monotonous may also be suspect - especially when it's extreme. Mr. Trump often talks louder and even shouts when most people in similar contexts would speak with considerably lower volume. Many have pointed out his "tone-of-voice" and his tendency to project negative qualities with it (arrogance, impatience, condescending emotions, etc.). While a nuance behavior to some (and perhaps even [erroneously] perceived to be nonexistent by others) - it's very possible to project strength without anger - and empathy without weakness. Chronically higher volume and angry tones (and other vocal qualities) - when out of context - are also signals of deception and ulterior motives.
 
It's important to stress that these are by no means the only signals of possible deception - they are however rarely recognized. Take heed.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3335: The Presidential Race, Electability, Facial Hair and Ben Carson

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3271: Donald Trump, Smiling out of Context and Running as an Independent

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3281: Donald Trump on "Meet The Press" - Who Does He Talk to for Military Advice? 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2745: Vladimir Putin - Deception regarding Crimea 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3181: Cristiano Ronaldo defends Japanese boy on TV - Body Language of Deception 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3019: Bill Cosby, Rape Allegations, AP Interview 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2763: Richard Nixon, My Lai Massacre - Conscious and Subconscious Body Language Display

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3334: Kevin McCarthy, Judy McCarthy and the Representative's Decision to Withdraw from Pursuing the Position as Speaker of the House - Body Language (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Today Kevin McCarthy withdrew his from consideration as Speaker of the House. This was a profound surprise to virtually everyone.

Representative McCarthy's initial announcement (to other members of the U.S. House of Representatives) was apparently not recorded - or it's not been released. The video above shows the California republican standing to the left (our right) of his wife - Judy, during his first public statement regarding his decision to withdraw from the race for the Speakership.

Beginning at 0:53 in the video, a reporter asks, "... You said at 8:00 am that you're going run for the Speakership - why change it at noon? What happened in those four hours?"

Rep. McCarthy answers, "Ya know, we had our conference and, um, - there's calls into The District - I, I don't want making voting for Speaker a tough one. I don't want to go to the floor and win with 220 votes. I think the best thing for our party right now - is that you have 247 votes on the floor. If we're going to be strong - we gotta be one hundred percent united (1:21)..."

A partial nonverbal analysis of this segment is included below.

0:56 - 0:58

Judy McCarthy displays an inward lip roll as the reporter says, "why change it at noon? What hap ...."

This is highly significant for emotions indication she's far from her emotional baseline and is attempting to prevent the outward display as well as the inward growth of an emotion.

0:58

Rep. McCarthy displays a tongue jut as the reporter says, "... those four ..."

This is significant for the thought-emotion of, "I've been caught" or "I've been bad".

McCarthy's downward gaze as well as his forward head and neck tilt (in this context) may indicate deep thought and introspection - or shame.

0:59

As McCarthy says, "Ya know ...

Judy McCarthy, anticipating her husband's answer, displays a hard swallow.

A hard swallow is significant for higher levels of anxiety (watch the video to appreciate the dynamics of this display).

At 1:01, during the last syllable of the word "... conference ...", the Congressman exhibits a nose rub with his right index finger (forefinger).

A nose rub/scratch indicates a high level of anxiety, and in this specific verbal-paralanguage-nonverbal cluster, it's highly suggestive of deception.

Note Mrs. McCarthy is beginning to look down and to her right.

Still during 1:01, Judy McCarthy is now looking further down to her right. This direction of gaze is highly correlated with strong emotions - very often with sadness, grief and regret.

During 1:02 - 1:05, 1:17 - 1:20, 1:38 - 1:39, Judy McCarthy looks directly up and holds her gaze there. This is a very common nonverbal phenomenon seen when a person is trying to suppress strong emotion - including the squelching of tears.







In conclusion, nonverbal analyses of Kevin McCarthy and Judy McCarthy show that the real reason for the Representative's withdraw from pursuit of the Speakership, is one other than he conveyed verbally - and, in addition, Mrs. McCarthy knows the true cause for this sudden change.

This website serves as an objective reference source for the science and art of Body Language/Nonverbal Communication. In an effort to be both practical and academic, many examples from/of varied cultures, politicians, professional athletes, legal cases, public figures, etc. are cited in order to teach and illustrate both the interpretation of others’ body language as well as the projection of one’s own nonverbal skills in many different contexts – not to advance any political, religious or other agenda.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3333: Did Bill Clinton ask Donald Trump to Run for President?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2548: Confused, Quizzical and Disbelieving Body Language from Eric Cantor's Colleagues

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3321: John Boehner Announces Resignation During Press Conference - A Classic Body Language Tell

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3068: John Boehner Kissing Nancy Pelosi

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3034: Body Language of High Affection - "Most Amazing Marriage Proposal Ever" - Christmas Eve 2013 - Jamie & Tyne Owen - Family Photo Surprise

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2649: How a Kiss can Change the World - Body Language of Affection

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3308: Hillary Clinton's Apology - Certainly Late, Yet Was It Sincere?


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Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2548: Confused, Quizzical and Disbelieving Body Language from Eric Cantor's Colleagues (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

In the above video, Eric Cantor is shown speaking regarding the U.S. government shutdown and partial funding via separate bills. He is shown with several of his colleagues. Behind the House Majority Leader and to his left is the Majority Whip, Rep. Kevin McCarthy. Between McCarthy and Cantor is an as yet unidentified woman.

Note: The original video has, since the original post, been removed from its online source. The images below however, were captured from this video.

At 1:13 in the video, Cantor continues, "And so I would ask my friends in the media to, to look at the votes we've taken. Fifty-seven democrats have voted with us in a bipartisan way on all these bills, ah, in fact unanimously today to ease the pain of the shut-down. I would implore my friends in the media to ask majority leader Reid, why is he not bringing up any of these bills. Because I think there is a majority of Senators to support these bills to ease the pain on the American people while we continue to wait for the President to join us, ah, in these discussions to work out our differences."

Kevin McCarthy reaches for his nose at the same time as the unidentified woman between him and Cantor and tilts her head to her right. This occurs at 1:17 just after Cantor says (the first time) "...my friends in the media...".

In this context, this nonverbal connotes that Rep. McCarthy cannot believe that Cantor referred to the media as "my friends". Of course in Washington when members of the government refer to someone as "my friend" it means the complete opposite. Perhaps McCarthy thought that this was a bad tactic or even perhaps that he believed that Cantor meant to say "... my (Democrat) friends in the Senate...".

Here Rep. McCarthy rubs his nose even more vigorously. No doubt his nose really itches. Anxiety causes releases neurotransmitters known as "natriuretic polypeptide b" (Nppb) to be released. This creates the real sensation of an itch and therefore it is subsequently scratched or rubbed.

The bilateral eyelid closure in this context is consistent with his cluster of disbelief. His psyche is trying to "make this mistake go away"

This image, a close-up of the first one above shows this immediate head tilt signifying her critical-quizzical mindset. She too is wondering virtually the same thing as McCarthy.

This head tilt is well recognized by some, although its sudden presence often does not elicit clarification. It often is accompanied by a partial eyelid closure - more often in one eye (exemplified on her left).

When it has a particularly critical slant to it, this expression may also be simultaneous with a head-neck retraction (away from the speaker) and a simultaneous contempt or disgust expression (neither present here).

It is interesting a how often those in the backgrounds, who are not speaking, but who are supposed to be presenting a unified front, let their own feelings slip via their body language. What other nonverbal signals do you see in this video?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2542: Chuck Schumer Doesn't Believe Harry Reid - Body Language and a possible U.S. Government Shutdown

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2293:  Eric Cantor, the New House GOP Agenda and One Body Language Signal that A Leader should NEVER display

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2461:  Jen Psaki, Egypt & The U.S. State Department -  Pseudo-Prayer Faux Pas

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2279:  Hillary's Tears and Senator Barrassso's Contempt & Disbelief- Body Language at Benghazi Hearing

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2390:  Charles Ramsey Interview & Cleveland Kidnappings -  Sarcastic Disbelief, Disgust and Exclamation

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2479:  Alex Rodriguez Press Conference 2 August 2013,  A-Rod's Body Language Tells Part I, Anxiety Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2349:  Barack Obama, The Miami Heat & Chicago Bulls -  POTUS's Body Language 

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