Previewing the Candidates: What You See is What You Get

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Movement Analysts Karen Bradley and Karen Studd offer the following preview of the upcoming debates between Mitt Romney and Barack Obama:

Much has been noted about Mitt Romney's difficulties connecting with everyday people. While some might blame his awkward rhetoric, the inability to connect is revealed in the rhythms and patterns of his movement: this is not an adaptable leader. Romney has also been labeled as a flip- flopper and his movement underscores this interpretation. His weight shifts frequently, as he sways from one foot to another, with a stop-start, but urgent rhythm.  This is a man who shifts, but does not adapt or accommodate to others.

Vocally, he is smooth and little breathy, which can override the underlying stop-start movement pattern, but which is another form of being disconnected.
Barack Obama has continued to narrow his stance, and to advance his ideas more specifically. He is far more grounded than he was. His gestures are held close to his adaptable core; we cannot see the cards he holds.  He is not shifting from side to side anymore, he moves ahead; advancing steadily, with no urgency.  Has a candidate ever appeared this relaxed?  

Romney supporters may perceive Obama's relaxed stance as uncaring; Obama supporters may perceive Romney's stance as wooden. When it comes to core beliefs and values; Mitt Romney has a held core that does not help us to understand what his core beliefs and values really are. Barack Obama's released core does not reveal much more however.

The debates will be telling when the two face off with each other; we will be watching and sharing what we see, which is what you see too, of course.

Karen Bradley and Karen Studd are both Certified Movement Analysts in Laban Movement Analysis. Bradley is Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies at the University of Maryland. Studd is Associate Professor of Dance at George Mason University and is affiliated with the Center for Consciousness and Transformation at GMU.

Contact: Karen Studd: 703-786-5271 or Karen Bradley: 202-669-3927