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Why Ted Cruz’s Facial Expression Makes Me Uneasy
Psychology Today ^ | Posted Jan 01, 2016 | Richard E. Cytowic M.D

Posted on 02/05/2016 9:31:04 AM PST by 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.

(Excerpt) Read more at psychologytoday.com ...


TOPICS: Campaign News; Issues
KEYWORDS: cruz; cruzface; cruzsmile
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To: Suz in AZ
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.

121 posted on 02/05/2016 10:55:58 AM PST by Albion Wilde (Who can actually defeat the Democrats in 2016? -- the most important thing about all candidates.)
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To: entropy12

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.


122 posted on 02/05/2016 10:57:16 AM PST by 20yearsofinternet
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To: Yaelle
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.


123 posted on 02/05/2016 10:58:07 AM PST by entropy12 (Cruz could double as a wind sock)
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To: entropy12

Good grief.


124 posted on 02/05/2016 10:58:53 AM PST by Nickname
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To: sneakers
I wonder what Dr Cytowic thinks about obama's expressions.

Here are two he can get started on:


125 posted on 02/05/2016 11:03:17 AM PST by Albion Wilde (Who can actually defeat the Democrats in 2016? -- the most important thing about all candidates.)
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To: Cats Pajamas

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.


126 posted on 02/05/2016 11:03:33 AM PST by entropy12 (Cruz could double as a wind sock)
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To: MarvinStinson

Or the Wookie!


127 posted on 02/05/2016 11:03:35 AM PST by Andy'smom (How many more acts of love can we take?)
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To: Albion Wilde

128 posted on 02/05/2016 11:04:34 AM PST by entropy12 (Cruz could double as a wind sock)
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To: Andy'smom

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.


129 posted on 02/05/2016 11:06:15 AM PST by MarvinStinson
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To: fireman15
when looking for signs of cerebral or interracial problems.

You mean intracranial? (within the skull)

130 posted on 02/05/2016 11:07:34 AM PST by Albion Wilde (Who can actually defeat the Democrats in 2016? -- the most important thing about all candidates.)
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To: entropy12

Maybe he’s just an alien being.


131 posted on 02/05/2016 11:08:01 AM PST by Brilliant
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To: Cats Pajamas
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.

132 posted on 02/05/2016 11:11:52 AM PST by Albion Wilde (Who can actually defeat the Democrats in 2016? -- the most important thing about all candidates.)
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To: left that other site

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


133 posted on 02/05/2016 11:13:47 AM PST by Albion Wilde (Who can actually defeat the Democrats in 2016? -- the most important thing about all candidates.)
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To: dforest

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.


134 posted on 02/05/2016 11:17:05 AM PST by entropy12 (Cruz could double as a wind sock)
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To: Albion Wilde

LOL...Ben Franklin’s HAIR! LOL!


135 posted on 02/05/2016 11:19:00 AM PST by left that other site (You shall know the Truth, and The Truth Shall Set You Free.)
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To: entropy12

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

136 posted on 02/05/2016 11:19:32 AM PST by Albion Wilde (Who can actually defeat the Democrats in 2016? -- the most important thing about all candidates.)
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To: entropy12

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


137 posted on 02/05/2016 11:19:47 AM PST by KGeorge
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To: Albion Wilde
Sorry, can't help it.


138 posted on 02/05/2016 11:21:48 AM PST by dfwgator
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To: Albion Wilde

Yes my Android phone is very helpful.


139 posted on 02/05/2016 11:23:31 AM PST by fireman15 (Check your facts before making ignorant statements.)
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To: left that other site
LOL...Ben Franklin's HAIR! LOL!

Or his famous fur hat!


140 posted on 02/05/2016 11:24:00 AM PST by Albion Wilde (Who can actually defeat the Democrats in 2016? -- the most important thing about all candidates.)
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