Bush blinked less frequently overall than Kerry during the question-and-answer period. Kerry blinked about 54 times a minute, with a rate of 30 to 50 blinks per minute indicating a normal stress level. Bush's rate was 28 blinks a minute, although Tecce pointed out that he was far less steady, blinking very slowly at some times and very quickly at others, revealing an attempt to maintain control.

Both men looked down more than they had in previous debates, indicating they were to keep themselves under control, Tecce said. In last night's debate, as in the first one, Bush's blink rate skyrocketed during his closing address, with 101 blinks per minute to Kerry's 61 per minute, revealing a higher stress level than the Democrat's.

Posted by: Jonathan Singer / 8:20 AM | Basie! Home