How important to the election outcome is it that McCain refused direct eye contact ?

[steve2470]

You know the drill, thank you kindly ! :)

[rocktivity]

1. If so many people are talking about it, it shows how obvious it was

We sure don't need ANOTHER president who seems insecure AND secretive.

:headbang:
rocknation

[Mz Pip]

2. This is the equivalent

of Nixon's sweating, Bush I's looking at his watch and Gore's sighing. What makes it worse is that McCain did it for the entire debate. It made him look petty, petulant and mean.

After the debate it was the first thing Mr.Pip commented on. "McCain didn't look at Obama once."

If he can't look Obama in the eye, how can he face down real enemies?

[liberalmuse]

4. You are right!

Everyone: people of color, women, white men-EVERYONE knows exactly the message a powerful, old white man is conveying when he refuses to look at you for 90 fucking minutes, yet sneers, laughs and mumbles expletives under his breath whenever you are answering a question. McCain dug himself into a bigger ditch, proving just how assholish he is capable of being, and I couldn't be happier. There was one point, early on in the debates when I thought he was actually going to blow. I hope he doesn't disappoint before the series is over.

[napi21]

3. I answered your poll as It will decide in Obama's favor", but

certainly not THE deciding factor. I do believe it will be ONE OF THEM. People, consciously or unconsciously react to things like that. They also sense tension, lack of confidence, anger or grumpiness, and lack of respect for your opponent. I saw all those things in McNuts last night.

[libertypirate]

5. It is a visual narrative

McCain doesn't look very presidential looking up at Obama. Shit flower is scared shitting himself keeping McSame from looking weak.

Visual narratives are very powerful, they are the first frame of reference people take into conversations.

[dragonlady]

6. And Obama was able to carry on just fine in spite of all that

It may have been an attempt at intimidation meant to knock Obama off his stride. And it didn't work. John McCain looked at best petty and at worst insane, while Barack showed the temperament and skill of a leader. As this aspect of the debate is talked about more and more, Obama will certainly benefit.