Feelings! Voters Looking For Feelings Non-Verbals Of Clinton, Dole Can Decide Debate, Experts Say

A version of Bill Clinton’s smile that Linda Lee finds almost charming drives her husband, Robert, up the wall.

It’s the grin that sometimes flickered across the president’s face when he was answering serious questions in Sunday night’s debate.

Robert Lee, 52, a silver-maned forensic psychologist from Lockport, N.Y., and a Republican, reads in Clinton’s furtive smiles “insecurity, cockiness, nervousness.” His wife, a Clinton fan, sees only nervousness, easily forgiven. “Our oldest son, Todd, looks like Clinton,” she adds, smiling.

Clinton’s smile and blow-dried hair, like Bob Dole’s deference to the presidency and bored old auctioneer voice, are read by many people as character cues, say academic experts in the non-verbal side of debating.

These readings are likely to influence voters long after the event’s most quoted words are forgotten and before others are uttered. Indeed, a couple of observers already are finding, in Dole’s debate demeanor and asides, hints of something he’s never openly admitted: resignation.

“He was so relaxed, so nostalgic, so accepting of subordinate status, that he seemed to have come to the realization that he was not going to win,” said Michael Pfau, co-author of the book “Televised Presidential Debates,” and a professor of communications at the University of Wisconsin at Madison.

Jim Forst, a textbook publisher visiting Washington from Dallas, agreed. “His voice never sounded excited,” said Forst, who said he would vote for Dole if he could find a reason. “And he never raised a point that Clinton had any difficulty handling.”

The non-verbal book on the contenders is a thick and interesting one. Clinton characteristically nods slowly as he speaks to encourage assent among listeners, said Miles Patterson, a psychologist at the University of Missouri.

Handsome enough to be presumed, like ex-Vice President Dan Quayle, a political lightweight, Clinton beats the rap with his conspicuous obsession for policy details. “Those two traits are rare together,” said Pfau, “but John Kennedy had them, too.”

Clinton’s voice has lots of range, and he uses pauses effectively to appear thoughtful about matters he’s long ago gotten down pat. But Clinton’s voice isn’t strong, and he can sound pestering, said Jeffrey Jacoby, a professional voice trainer.

Dole, Jacoby said, “often falls into a flat speech pattern, combined with very forceful delivery, that makes him seem mean-spirited.” Dole didn’t do that in Sunday’s debate, Jacoby noted. He spoke more slowly, and in a lower voice.

“But his voice still had some of the grumpy-old-man tone that gives him a hard time with women,” Jacoby said.

Dole, however, softened his rigid posture and abrupt gestures - grim war souvenirs that startle some viewers, several observers said.

“He got a handle on his caustic wit, and projected himself as a calm, caring individual,” said Wisconsin’s Pfau.