9 Body Language Signs Observed in the Presidential Debate
Donald Trump and Kamala Harris expressed plenty of thoughts, but their body language conveyed even deeper messages.
TroibNews 
Three months ago, President Joe Biden’s disastrous debate against former President Donald Trump significantly altered the political landscape, leading to his fall from the position of presumptive Democratic nominee. Tonight, Americans witnessed the surprise matchup left in the wake of that debate, as Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris faced off for the first time on a debate stage in Philadelphia.
This event allowed both candidates to outline the dynamics of this unprecedented race and present their cases to the American public. However, what struck me most was not merely their words, but rather their body language, which revealed much about their characters.
Having spent over 50 years studying the sophisticated language of nonverbal communication, including 25 years with the FBI, I have observed that in politics, words often distort reality. The messages conveyed through our bodies—such as a raised eyebrow, pursed lips, or an overly tight smile—carry an authenticity that is rarely found in standard speeches. Here’s what I noticed during the debate:
**Harris Got Her Handshake**
During the ABC News Presidential Debate, Trump and Biden chose not to shake hands at the start of their debate, leading some analysts to predict a similar outcome tonight. However, Harris made sure Trump received a handshake. Despite Trump’s hesitation, standing behind his podium, Harris confidently crossed the stage, reached out her hand, and introduced herself. This handshake symbolized more than just a greeting; it conveyed politeness, civility, and respect not only for Trump but also for the American people. By initiating the handshake, Harris reinforced her theme of unity over division and showed her readiness to confront Trump, catching him off guard. Returning to her side of the stage, she wore a broad grin, acknowledging her success.
**Harris Wore Her Tension in Her Neck**
When Harris answered the first question, it was apparent that she was experiencing considerable tension, evident through hard swallows and tightened neck muscles. This nervousness, while subtle, detracted from her confidence. In contrast, Trump appeared more composed at the outset, although Harris was able to regain her presence as the debate progressed.
**Trump Would Not Look Her in the Eye**
Throughout the debate, Trump rarely looked directly at Harris. When she spoke, he maintained a fixed gaze ahead, seemingly avoiding eye contact as if it would weaken him. Strong leadership requires facing opponents directly, and Trump’s avoidance could be interpreted in various ways, including indifference, disrespect, or fear.
In contrast, Harris consistently focused on Trump when he spoke. She gestured toward him and demonstrated her lack of fear regarding direct engagement, challenging him openly.
**Harris’ Chin Showed Her Disbelief**
During the debate, when Trump labeled her a "Marxist" due to her father's academic background, Harris responded with her hand on her chin, visibly expressing disbelief. This deliberate posture conveyed, “I can’t believe what you’re saying,” and became her recurring response to Trump’s outrageous claims. Such behavior is unprecedented in my 50 years of observing presidential debates and illustrates Harris’s willingness to overtly convey her sentiments without hesitation.
**Trump’s Uncomfortable Tell: Pursed Lips**
Trump exhibited a unique behavior when confronted with statements he disliked; he pursed his lips into a tight line. This tendency is commonly associated with discontent and was particularly evident when he addressed the loss of support from former staff members, including his ex-chief of staff.
**Harris Openly Laughed at Him**
At times, responses are so outrageous that laughter is the only appropriate reaction. Harris openly laughed when Trump made unfounded accusations about immigrants eating pets, starkly contrasting the serious tone he had adopted. This emotional juxtaposition effectively undermined Trump’s argument, akin to techniques seen in courts where humor deflates overly serious claims—a strategy Harris may have honed during her prosecutorial career.
**Trump Pulled a ‘Joker Face’**
When Trump became especially agitated, such as during Harris's critique regarding January 6, he displayed an exaggerated smile and raised eyebrows reminiscent of the Joker. Though intended to dismiss her comments, this behavior lacked the warmth of a genuine smile, with tight lips revealing its insincerity. This peculiar expression has appeared in previous debates and is uniquely his own.
**Blink and You’ll Diss It**
Interestingly, both candidates frequently blinked when confronted with absurd claims—an instinctive behavior often signifying disbelief. Such rapid blinking is visually striking and does not disrupt communication flow, allowing for a clear dismissal of ridiculous assertions. Harris, notably, displayed this behavior when Trump accused her of copying Biden’s policy plans, nonverbally signaling that his argument was simple and unserious.
**We Started With a Handshake — But Didn’t End With One**
Though Harris initiated a handshake at the beginning of the debate, the evening concluded quite differently. After the debate, Trump hurried off the stage, leaving no time for handshakes or social pleasantries. This swift exit clearly indicated that he was not interested in maintaining any cordiality with the vice president. While Harris secured that initial handshake, it was clear that an abrupt departure marked the end of their interaction.
All images from the ABC News Presidential Debate.
James del Carmen contributed to this report for TROIB News
This event allowed both candidates to outline the dynamics of this unprecedented race and present their cases to the American public. However, what struck me most was not merely their words, but rather their body language, which revealed much about their characters.
Having spent over 50 years studying the sophisticated language of nonverbal communication, including 25 years with the FBI, I have observed that in politics, words often distort reality. The messages conveyed through our bodies—such as a raised eyebrow, pursed lips, or an overly tight smile—carry an authenticity that is rarely found in standard speeches. Here’s what I noticed during the debate:
**Harris Got Her Handshake**
During the ABC News Presidential Debate, Trump and Biden chose not to shake hands at the start of their debate, leading some analysts to predict a similar outcome tonight. However, Harris made sure Trump received a handshake. Despite Trump’s hesitation, standing behind his podium, Harris confidently crossed the stage, reached out her hand, and introduced herself. This handshake symbolized more than just a greeting; it conveyed politeness, civility, and respect not only for Trump but also for the American people. By initiating the handshake, Harris reinforced her theme of unity over division and showed her readiness to confront Trump, catching him off guard. Returning to her side of the stage, she wore a broad grin, acknowledging her success.
**Harris Wore Her Tension in Her Neck**
When Harris answered the first question, it was apparent that she was experiencing considerable tension, evident through hard swallows and tightened neck muscles. This nervousness, while subtle, detracted from her confidence. In contrast, Trump appeared more composed at the outset, although Harris was able to regain her presence as the debate progressed.
**Trump Would Not Look Her in the Eye**
Throughout the debate, Trump rarely looked directly at Harris. When she spoke, he maintained a fixed gaze ahead, seemingly avoiding eye contact as if it would weaken him. Strong leadership requires facing opponents directly, and Trump’s avoidance could be interpreted in various ways, including indifference, disrespect, or fear.
In contrast, Harris consistently focused on Trump when he spoke. She gestured toward him and demonstrated her lack of fear regarding direct engagement, challenging him openly.
**Harris’ Chin Showed Her Disbelief**
During the debate, when Trump labeled her a "Marxist" due to her father's academic background, Harris responded with her hand on her chin, visibly expressing disbelief. This deliberate posture conveyed, “I can’t believe what you’re saying,” and became her recurring response to Trump’s outrageous claims. Such behavior is unprecedented in my 50 years of observing presidential debates and illustrates Harris’s willingness to overtly convey her sentiments without hesitation.
**Trump’s Uncomfortable Tell: Pursed Lips**
Trump exhibited a unique behavior when confronted with statements he disliked; he pursed his lips into a tight line. This tendency is commonly associated with discontent and was particularly evident when he addressed the loss of support from former staff members, including his ex-chief of staff.
**Harris Openly Laughed at Him**
At times, responses are so outrageous that laughter is the only appropriate reaction. Harris openly laughed when Trump made unfounded accusations about immigrants eating pets, starkly contrasting the serious tone he had adopted. This emotional juxtaposition effectively undermined Trump’s argument, akin to techniques seen in courts where humor deflates overly serious claims—a strategy Harris may have honed during her prosecutorial career.
**Trump Pulled a ‘Joker Face’**
When Trump became especially agitated, such as during Harris's critique regarding January 6, he displayed an exaggerated smile and raised eyebrows reminiscent of the Joker. Though intended to dismiss her comments, this behavior lacked the warmth of a genuine smile, with tight lips revealing its insincerity. This peculiar expression has appeared in previous debates and is uniquely his own.
**Blink and You’ll Diss It**
Interestingly, both candidates frequently blinked when confronted with absurd claims—an instinctive behavior often signifying disbelief. Such rapid blinking is visually striking and does not disrupt communication flow, allowing for a clear dismissal of ridiculous assertions. Harris, notably, displayed this behavior when Trump accused her of copying Biden’s policy plans, nonverbally signaling that his argument was simple and unserious.
**We Started With a Handshake — But Didn’t End With One**
Though Harris initiated a handshake at the beginning of the debate, the evening concluded quite differently. After the debate, Trump hurried off the stage, leaving no time for handshakes or social pleasantries. This swift exit clearly indicated that he was not interested in maintaining any cordiality with the vice president. While Harris secured that initial handshake, it was clear that an abrupt departure marked the end of their interaction.
All images from the ABC News Presidential Debate.
James del Carmen contributed to this report for TROIB News
