VIDEO: On Becoming RNC Chairman: What Michael Steele Says Vs. What He Really Believes

On Friday evening, Michael Steele did an interview on "Hannity", making the FOX News Channel his first interview since becoming the first black Republican National Committee chair. I've done my armchair analysis of his non-verbal body language:



Michael Says: "It's Great To Become RNC Chair, & To Work With GOP Activists"
His True Belief: "I'm Not Sure If It's Great To Become Chair, & To Work With Them"

Michael claims that "it is an incredible honor to stand with friends from around the country" in revitalizing the Republican Party (at 5:58 mark). However, he does both negative and positive head shakes while making his claim, which suggests ambivalence. But at the 5:46 mark, the new RNC chairman is verbal-body congruent when he says that "today is a good day".

Michael Says: "Republicans Should Remain Firmly Opposed To The Economic Stimulus"
His True Belief: "Republicans Should Stop Opposing The Economic Stimulus"

When Sean Hannity asks him whether the Republican opposition to the economic stimulus package is a first step towards re-energizing the GOP, Michael says yes...but shakes his head no, meaning "I really believe no." (at 5:25 mark). He then does a left shoulder shrug (at 5:21 mark), an indicator meaning "I don't believe what I'm saying." I.e., he's lying. Michael states that it was a "very bold move" for the Congressional Republicans to oppose the economic stimulus package, but is simultaneously shaking his head no (at 4:52 mark). Michael does another left shoulder shrug (at 4:50 mark) as he talks about the GOP base liking the Congressional GOPers to stand firm in their position. Based on his body language, I'd say that it is possible that Michael personally supports the economic stimulus package, but feels that he must politically oppose it.

Michael Says: "We Need To Highlight Sharp Differences Between GOP & Democrats"
His True Belief: "I Don't Like Sharp Partisanship"

When Sean states that he believes that Michael wants to make bold differences between the Republicans and Democrats, Michael states, "Absolutely"...but shakes his head no (at 4:18 mark). He's lying, as he really opposes it. Michael claims "we believe the U.S. is still a center-right nation" but shakes his head no while saying it (at 3:53 mark).

Michael Says: "I'm A Conservative"
His True Belief: "I Don't Know Whether Or Not I'm A Conservative"

Michael is verbal-body congruent while discussing general Republican principles and conservative principles. His next cue is an intriguing one though. When Sean says "you're a conservative..." Michael responds, "Yep"...but shakes his head no and yes (at 3:09 mark). This suggests that Michael is actually unclear about being a conservative.

Michael Says: "I Want More Black Voters To Join The GOP"
His True Belief: "I Want More Black Voters To Join The GOP"

He is verbal-body congruent while talking about engaging Black America about the Republican Party, and attracting more black voters to the political party. Michael licks his lips (a lying indicator) throughout his interview, but not nearly as much as he did during his RNC acceptance speech. The only time he does not lick his lip in this video is when he talks about wanting more black voters to join the GOP, which is his true belief.