Copyright 2007. The Goodfield Institute. The information contained in the article may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without prior written authority of The Goodfield Institute.

Goodfield Institute Top Line Analysis of the
December 12, 1007, Iowa Republican Debate

Presented by The Goodfield Institute 

The format of this last Iowa debate precluded extensive interaction between the candidates. Combined with less than  aggressive questioning this resulted in a less dynamic and telling debate.

Mitt Romney won the debate on a non verbal level.  Mitt Romney was also the most effective candidate.  He exhibited erect head movement left to right with good eye contact, very congruent motions, “classy.”

Mike Huckabee came in second place with straight forward, strong, calm congruent verbal/non-verbal messages.

Fred Thompson came in third with powerful, strong “tongue out” on main points, good use of hands, spontaneous.

Rudy Giuliani was came across as less involved than the last debate and more defensive.  He smiled too much.

John McCain came in fifth: strong, confident, glib, flat, believable, But his non verbal leak said “I am tired.”

Duncan Hunter came in sixth.  He was clear and alert.  But also uninspired and uninspiring.  His  Non verbal behavior showed a “feeling of retentiveness.”
  
Tom Tancredo came in seventh.  He showed some power but came across as un-focused or convincing.

Ron Paul cam in eigth place.  He showed jerky movements and his voice gave a feeling of a scattered and sometimes fanatical person.

Allen Keys came in last: Erratic, Irrational, panicy movements.  Feeling of “3qts in a 1qt jar.”  Also: frustrated, angry, paranoid