In the recent ABC Presidential Debate held in Philadelphia on September 10, 2024, former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris faced off for the first time. The debate was a crucial moment for both candidates as they presented their positions to a national audience. Here’s a detailed look at their performances, as analyzed by body language expert Susan Constantine.

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Trump and Harris: A Clash of Styles

Body language expert Susan Constantine observed that Vice President Harris was effective in provoking reactions from Trump throughout the debate. Constantine noted that Harris exploited Trump’s weaknesses, such as his crowd sizes and past rally performances. Harris’s strategy seemed designed to make Trump defensive, which he often appeared to be.

According to Constantine, Harris’s approach involved making provocative comments that would push Trump’s buttons. For instance, Harris criticized the size and enthusiasm of Trump’s rally crowds, suggesting that they were often bored and left early. Trump responded with his usual claims of record-breaking crowds and even accused Harris of busing and paying people to attend her events. This exchange highlighted Trump’s tendency to react aggressively to criticism, which was evident as he grew increasingly frustrated and angry during the debate.

Body Language Insights

Constantine observed that Trump’s body language displayed signs of irritation and anger. At several points, Trump was seen dropping his shoulders and lowering his head, indicating frustration. His facial expressions, such as the quick upward movement of his upper lip, revealed underlying feelings of hatred and disgust towards Harris’s remarks. This emotional display was contrasted by Harris’s demeanor, which Constantine described as more composed and strategically pleasant.

Harris’s body language, particularly her smiles and gestures, was interpreted by Constantine as part of her debate strategy. She used smiles to indicate that she had gained the upper hand and employed a “perma-smile” to undermine Trump’s arguments. This technique was seen as both a reflection of confidence and a subtle way to dismiss Trump’s points.

Key Moments and Reactions

One of the key moments in the debate came when Harris questioned Trump’s claims about his rally sizes. Harris pointed out that Trump’s events often saw early departures, suggesting a lack of engagement among attendees. Trump, in turn, vehemently defended his rally sizes, claiming that Harris’s rallies were not as well-attended, and accused her of using underhanded tactics to boost attendance.

Harris also faced challenges during the debate, such as when she struggled to answer a question about restrictions on a woman’s right to abortion. Constantine noted that Harris’s evasive response and body language during this segment suggested discomfort and hesitation, which may have affected her overall performance.

The debate showcased a clear contrast between Trump’s aggressive, defensive posture and Harris’s calculated, strategic approach. While Harris’s performance was seen as strong and effective, particularly in how she managed to get under Trump’s skin, Trump’s reaction demonstrated the challenges he faces when confronted with criticism.