Why Ted Cruz’s Facial Expression Makes Me Uneasy

Psychology Today ^ | Posted Jan 01, 2016 | Richard E. Cytowic M.D

[entropy12]

He’s a brilliant orator with a sharp legal mind. But his expression unsettles me. I know my reaction is visceral and automatic, but as a neurologist it is my business to notice things out of the ordinary and probe them. The Senator’s atypical expressions leave me uneasy.

Skill in reading faces is so fundamental to our species that 54 facial muscles orchestrate its endless nuances, which others read like a book just as we read them. Only some of these many facial muscles are under voluntary control, which is one reason it is so hard to maintain a poker face or counterfeit a smile.

Downturned expressions usually signal disagreeableness or disgust. But I honestly don’t know because such an expression is rare in the context of public presentations that are meant to win people over. He may well be unaware that the message of his body language is incongruent with his words.

[Albion Wilde]

I was in elementary school when Carter ran for prez. Even as a kid, I knew that he would be terrible. I remember the ominous feeling I had when he won our class straw poll and even worse when he won the election.

Same here -- the look on his face when he won sent cold chills down my spine, and I wasn't particularly political then. I got the same feeling when Francis was elected pope, btw. And that moment when Obama lifted his chin before going outside to his first inaguration sent me stomping out of the room.

[20yearsofinternet]

I have no idea whether it has merit or not, but Ted Cruz’s expressions freak me out sometimes too. I think it’s the permanent “watching puppies burn to death” sadness he wears across his brow at all times.

[entropy12]

I will be totally honest in that my biggest problem with Cruz happens to be lack of a friendly smile. Same with Hillary. Her smile seems totally put on. Whereas my biggest positive about Rubio is his smile. Trump is in a class all by himself. But he seems to connect with audiences. I shook hands with GWB in 2001 in Portland, OR. And I liked him instantly based on his demeanor.

[Nickname]

Good grief.

[Albion Wilde]

I wonder what Dr Cytowic thinks about obama's expressions.

Here are two he can get started on:

[entropy12]

Hillary’s smile is so obviously put on. And her cackle like laugh is totally creepy.

When IKE was president, I was just in my early teens, growing up in India. But his great smile shown in Times of India pictures made an impression on me, concluding he must be a very nice man.

[Andy'smom]

Or the Wookie!

[entropy12]

[MarvinStinson]

That would be a repulsive exercise.

ONE thing comes across Immediately from a glance at his-her face.

It is a face filled with HATE.

[Albion Wilde]

when looking for signs of cerebral or interracial problems.

You mean intracranial? (within the skull)

[Brilliant]

Maybe he’s just an alien being.

[Albion Wilde]

I guess Hillary's facial expressions don't bother this idiot shrink. I guess her psycho actions and personality don't bother him either. I guess all the things Hillary does don't bother him.

What's kind of amazing is that even though this is a liberal rag, a lot of the comments at the site are condemning Hillary, and her facial expressions are the least of it! She apparently is "generating crossover appeal" as a liar and untrustworthy person.

[Albion Wilde]

Yes; if we had had television and social media then, the United States and our Consitution could never have been created!

[entropy12]

I had the good fortune to see Bush-43 in person and shake his hand. That was back in 2001, when he was visiting Portland, OR. He was charming, presidential, had a pleasant demeanor, and a friendly genuine smile. I became a fan. Now I am turned off on Bush-43 because of the catastrophic Iraq war policy.

[left that other site]

LOL...Ben Franklin’s HAIR! LOL!

[Albion Wilde]

A wonderful guy. The right expression at the right time.

[KGeorge]

Something about his expression/ physical appearance here reminds me so much of Al Gore.

[dfwgator]

Sorry, can't help it.

[fireman15]

Yes my Android phone is very helpful.

[Albion Wilde]

LOL...Ben Franklin's HAIR! LOL!

Or his famous fur hat!