Hillary Clinton's Moment

While on the campaign trail in New Hampshire, Hillary Clinton spoke at a Portsmouth coffee shop on Monday, January 7^th, 2008 with a group of 16 undecided voters. When she was asked how she remains “so upbeat and wonderful” under the stress of the campaign trail, Clinton responded in an uncharacteristically (as we’ve come to know her in the public eye) emotional, personal way.

After responding, “You know, I have so many opportunities from this country; I just don’t want to see us fall backwards.” Senator Clinton’s eyes well up with tears for a moment and she shakes her head “no”, her voice trailing off.

What she showed in that famous 1 min. 48 seconds, fits into three categories.

Despite the “Moment” being famous for Senator Clinton suddenly showing vulnerability, she showed numerous social smiles throughout, including when she reacts to the question of who does her hair and acknowledging that the campaign trail is tiring.

She also showed a fair number of angry, determined looks. When referencing her opponents’ readiness for the office, Clinton makes the point that “some of us are right, and some of us are wrong”, she becomes very steely-eyed and tightens her lips.

Finally, there are the other notable examples of body language. These include Clinton’s quavering voice, brief quivering upper lip and the eyes seemingly misting with tears. She rests her hand on her cheek, microphone in the other, while making direct eye contact.

 

Overall, Clinton managed to mix relaxed, social smiles with mini-flashes of anger all in righteous indignation while attacking opponents. This performance was far from an emotional breakdown; however, we were all afforded a glimpse of the softer, more human side of Senator Clinton.

Clinton, Obama, and Giuliani

Clinton & Obama

This excerpt from the Democratic presidential candidates' debate held on June 3rd, 2007. The excerpt shows Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama's responses after John Edwards has sharply criticized them for not being more outspoken against the war in Iraq on the floor of the Senate.

As you can see here, Hillary Clinton started with a full, social smile, seeking to negate Edwards' attack. Very soon after the smile starts fading. The way the smile turns into a grimace as it fades betrays the extent to which it was not a true smile to begin with.

At the same time, Barack Obama showed some anger and dismissal. Obama turns his head away from Edwards and his lips appear to tighten together in a slight sign of frustration with Edwards' attack.

Giuliani

This excerpt from the Republican presidential candidates debate held on June 5th, 2007. the excerpt shows Rudolph Giuliani's reaction after being read a quote in which a Rhode Island priest has compared Giuliani's position on abortion to Pontius Pilate's personal opposition to the crucifixion Jesus Christ but allowing him to die anyway.

First, note that the normal resting position of Giuliani's mouth is in the form of a disgust reaction with the corners of the mouth turned down (top photo). In the middle of this question, he shows a look of frustration (2nd photo). The 3rd photo shows very intense anger with the lips pressed firmly together while looking down shows signs of sadness. Giuliani finally settles on a smile toward the end of the question (bottom photo).