This combination of photos shows Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, left, and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris during an ABC News presidential debate at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP/Alex Brandon)
Share
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
WASHINGTON — Kamala Harris and Donald Trump said as much with their faces as they did with their words during Tuesday’s debate.
With their microphones muted unless it was their turn to speak, according to the debate rules, body language took on outsized importance for Harris and Trump.
Related Story: As Trump and Harris Spar, ABC’s Moderators Grapple With Conducting a ...
Harris in particular leaned into the nonverbal communication, keenly aware that her every reaction was being broadcast to the world, “speaking” to the audience even while Trump ostensibly had the floor. Networks showed a split screen with both candidates for most of the debate.
At various points she looked amused or befuddled by whatever Trump was saying, as if wordlessly saying he was lying. A few times she dramatically put her fingers under her chin, eyes wide, head tilted. Other times she laughed.
Related Story: After Debate, Harris and Trump Shake Hands at Sept. 11 Memorial
Trump sometimes scowled, sometimes smiled curtly. His eyes flashed anger or annoyance, perhaps even boredom at times. He rarely looked at Harris while she spoke, instead pointing his face forward toward the cameras or ABC News moderators.
When the candidates did have the floor, Trump and Harris both gesticulated with their hands, mannerisms that are by now familiar to Americans who’ve spent a lot of time watching them.
RELATED TOPICS:
Once Again, Democrat-Led California Leads the Nation in Poverty
2 hours ago
Valley Crime Stoppers Offers $1,000 Reward for Tips Leading to Fentanyl Dealer Arrests
2 hours ago
Mauricio Pochettino Hired to Succeed Gregg Berhalter as US Men’s National Team Coach
3 hours ago
Browns QB Deshaun Watson Facing Sexual Assault Lawsuit, NFL Launches Investigation
3 hours ago
Flash Flood Sweeps Away Hamlet as Vietnam’s Storm Toll Rises to 155 Dead
3 hours ago
California Mom Who Pushed for Tougher DUI Laws Charged in Daughter’s Hot Car Death
3 mins ago
Categories
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/11122259/shutterstock_2371540275-1024x576.jpg)
California Mom Who Pushed for Tougher DUI Laws Charged in Daughter’s Hot Car Death
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/11123138/In-this-image-taken-from-video-Rose-Thamar-Joseph-from-the-Haitian-Community-Help-and-Support-Center-speaks-to-The-Associated-Press-Wednesday-Sept.-11-2024-in-Springfield-Ohio.-AP-PhotoPa-1024x538.jpg)
An Ohio City Reshaped by Haitian Immigrants Lands in an Unwelcome Spotlight
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/11094022/112222-Mobile-Home-Parks-in-Stockton-RL-CM-03.jpg-1024x576.jpg)
Once Again, Democrat-Led California Leads the Nation in Poverty
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/16182652/Fentanyl-M30-Pills-and-handcuffs.jpg)
Valley Crime Stoppers Offers $1,000 Reward for Tips Leading to Fentanyl Dealer Arrests
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/09142619/Fresno-police-are-seeking-the-publics-help-in-identifying-a-suspect-who-assaulted-a-47-year-old-unhoused-man-early-Monday-morning-leaving-him-with-significant-head-injuries.-Fresno-PD-1024x538.jpg)