California Governor Gavin Newsom and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis are both influential leaders in major states that will shape American politics for years to come. However, they are polar opposites in almost every other aspect: from their political affiliations and geographic locations, to their divergent visions for the nation. Their recent debate, dubbed “The Great Red vs. Blue State Debate” by Fox News moderator Sean Hannity, underscored the deep divides separating the two leaders and their conceptions of America.
Throughout the debate, both governors passionately defended their respective versions of the USA, often talking over one another in the process.
Nevertheless, their unspoken thoughts were revealed through their body language.
Having studied nonverbal communication for over five decades, including 25 years as an FBI agent, I’ve found that body language often provides more truthful insights than words. Here’s what I observed about Newsom and DeSantis during the debate:
It All Started With a Smile
I’ve previously noted that DeSantis is known for an awkward smile that can make him and viewers uncomfortable. This trend continued at the beginning of the recent debate. DeSantis’ forced smile undermines his authenticity, in contrast to Newsom’s genuine and disarming smile.
DeSantis Has a Noticeable Tell: His Chin
When DeSantis reacted to dissenting viewpoints, he visibly shifted his lower jaw, indicating that he was feeling stressed. This behavior was particularly evident when Newsom challenged him, and it subtly revealed DeSantis’ discomfort.
Newsom’s Eyes Gave Him Away
When confronted with challenging statements, Newsom’s eyelids fluttered, signaling his internal struggles. This was especially noticeable when Hannity pressed him about controversial literature in schools.
DeSantis Gestures Like a Fighter
DeSantis adopted more aggressive hand and arm gestures during the debate, projecting a more assertive demeanor. However, these gestures occasionally contradicted his verbal message, diminishing their impact.
Newsom Faced His Foe — Directly
Throughout the night, Newsom directly confronted DeSantis, exuding intensity and confidence, while DeSantis often faced the moderator, subtly diminishing his authoritative presence.
DeSantis Can Play Nice — But He Wrings His Hands
Despite making kind remarks about California, DeSantis’ fidgety hand gestures revealed his internal discomfort, undermining the sincerity of his words.
And that’s the beauty of body language: It reveals what the lips conceal. When nonverbal cues contradict verbal statements, the overall message loses its impact.
