NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani tried to be tough during the first general-election mayoral debate on Thursday, in which he sparred with former governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, a body language expert has said.The body language expert analyzed all three candidates, revealing what they were truly thinking, not just what they appeared to be on stage.
Mamdani with ‘clenched jaw and erratic hand gestures’
Carole Lieberman, a psychiatrist and body language expert, told The New York Post that Mamdani “was, ironically or purposefully, dressed in black like a villain.” She explained, “He was either showing his true colors unconsciously or wanted viewers to see him as tough.”The Democratic socialist, whose mother is an Academy Award-nominated filmmaker and father a Columbia University professor, has previously joked about calling himself the “nepo-babyy.” But during the debate, he appeared “smug” and “angry,” showing visible signs of tension.“He also perpetually wore a cat-that-ate-the-canary, smug smile, as if he was already thinking about how he would decorate the mayor’s mansion,” Lieberman said. “He seemed angry, as if annoyed that he still had to debate to prove he’s the best candidate. His tense anger was made visible by his clenched jaw, erratic hand gestures and squinting.”
An ‘almost sick’ Cuomo
In contrast to Mamdani, the body language expert said Cuomo “looked bedraggled,” or dishevelled, noting that the campaign took a toll on him.“He could pass for a homeless person on a Central Park bench,” she said. “He looks almost sickly.” By the end of the two-hour debate, Cuomo “looked worried” and “feared he hadn’t gotten enough of an edge over Mamdani.”
A ‘relaxed and friendly’ Silva
The red beret-wearing Sliwa was described as the “most relaxed and friendly” of the trio. The Republican candidate appeared calm and open. “His wide arms, on either side of the podium, indicated that he was also the most open,” Lieberman said. “He was a welcome island of calm, a respite for viewers from Cuomo and Mamdani, who made viewers nervous.”The debate itself turned fiery, with the three candidates clashing over issues ranging from sex work to housing.
