The article quotes the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons thusly:
Hand gestures can be used as hypnotic anchors, or to aid in hypnotic command implantation. They can be difficult to distinguish from innocent gestures used for emphasis. Obama, however, uses some gestures extraordinarily often and for very specific words such as “believe” and “chose.” His characteristic thumb-and-forefinger gesture looks like a hand holding a pencil—as if you were in a voting booth. The gesture of pointing sends the subconscious message that a person in authority is giving a command.
Obama actually said at one time: “a light will shine down from somewhere, it will light upon you, you will experience an epiphany, and you will say to yourself, ‘I have to vote for Barack.’”
I guess talking about what the professionals think makes us kooks?
> I guess talking about what the professionals think makes us kooks?
I hate to be the one to break it to you, but yes, it does.
This is an excellent example of Ericsonian hypnosis. Start where they are and begin to build associations. I'm certainly not an expert, but this certainly looks like it as I understand it.
Clinton used a lot of similar "new age" type tools to influence people. I think liberals believe it is okay to manipulate, rather than to persuade people.