The Smallest things DO make a difference. [First Political Debate]

The smallest things do matter when it comes to a nationwide televised debate. The first debate has come and gone, two sides with opposing views on many aspects of our country. Before watching the first debate of this political season, I had the opportunity to watch a video presented by the Wall Street Journal (link above.)

There are many thing we analyze on a sub-conscience level, mostly small things we tend to think we don't focus on. Before televising the debates, the main source to broadcast them were via radio. In this form we only used one of our sensors to pick up information (our hearing.) This allowed us to focus more on the content of the message being delivered. It was hard for the listener to determine if the candidates were sweating due to nerves, or not very interested. This allowed for a more straightforward analysis of both candidates and their respective parties.

As the debates transformed, using televised broadcasting as its medium many of the things we could not pick up previously became evident. In the debate between Nixon and John F Kennedy, we see Nixon sweating profusely. His presence almost seems dark as he almost displays having a six' clock shadow. Many people who witnessed this event were not aware of these almost "subliminal" messages. The overall effect was that people were more enticed with Kennedy, do to a combination of his looks and the uninspiring gestures of his opponent.

In this debate many of these small behaviors can be detailed. While Governor Romney always looked at President Obama while he was being spoken to, President Obama would often look down or away when he was being addressed. There were also many indications of nervous body language like the movement of his foot and the swaying of his hands. This overall "performance" given by President Obama was criticized after the debate concluded.

I personally don't believe that there is one clear winner. People who are affluent in politics, already have made up their minds on who they will vote for. Few of the things stated in the debate were of any novelty. So when it comes down to it, it's these little things that can sway the small percentage of citizens who are not that active when it comes to politics. Therefore making the medium more important than the message.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWvjjaH3ssc&feature=fvwbrel