What ‘the hug’ said
Research has shown that more than 90% of communication is nonverbal. A combination of facial expressions, body language, tone of voice and other subtle cues expresses more than words.
Clearly, public opinion of political candidates is often based more on unconscious and emotional responses than on logic and facts. The reaction to Republican nominee Donald Trump is evidence of this, as he plays to fear and hatred.
Columnist Mary McNamara reminds us that women seeking office, by necessity, try hard not to look weak. It’s a Catch-22 for them because personal appeal is generally linked to a more loving, caring demeanor. I think this is the crux of Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton’s likability problem: She needs to appear tough and capable to achieve power, but to win people’s affection and trust she must show her softer side.
Overall, “the hug” between her and President Obama and the whole “togetherness” tone of the Democratic National Convention should help boost Clinton’s popularity. Kathy Welsh Claremont