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Bush Scores as Hugger in Chief

If there's one thing Bush can do, it's embrace for the cameras

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 28, 2007 10:25 AM CDT
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(Newser) – George W. Bush may not come off as touchy-feely, but as his California fire tour demonstrates, he’s one of the best presidential huggers of all time. In recent months, Bush has embraced literally hundreds in public, the Washington Post notes. Sure, those are mostly photo ops, but Bush’s hugs look strangely genuine, and may define our memory of him.

Hugs are a complicated social signal for men, the Post notes, often evoking macho unease, but the president’s status lets him get away with it. Besides, the unpopular Bush needs the image softening. “A lot of people mistrust his words,” said one nonverbal studies expert, “but it's hard to fake the meaning of a handshake or an embrace.”

President Bush is the president most given to public hugging, writes the Washington Post.
President Bush is the president most given to public hugging, writes the Washington Post.   (Getty Images)
President Bush, right, gets a hug from U.S. Coast Guard Ensign Daniel Tillman Holland, a member of the 2007 graduating class, left, during graduation ceremonies at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., Wednesday, May 23, 2007. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
President Bush, right, gets a hug from U.S. Coast Guard Ensign Daniel Tillman Holland, a member of the 2007 graduating class, left, during graduation ceremonies at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New...   (Associated Press)
President Bush gives a hug to a member of the audience after delivering a speech to the Annual National Convention of the American Legion on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2007, in Reno, Nev. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
President Bush gives a hug to a member of the audience after delivering a speech to the Annual National Convention of the American Legion on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2007, in Reno, Nev. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)   (Associated Press)
US President George W. Bush hugs a dancer. Bush's penchant for public hugging is unprecedented among presidents, writes the Washington Post.
US President George W. Bush hugs a dancer. Bush's penchant for public hugging is unprecedented among presidents, writes the Washington Post.   (Getty Images)
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COMMENTS
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Bush's visit cheers some, annoys others
San Diego Union-Tribune

Don't ban hugs, embrace them
Chicago Sun-Times

 
Bush administration • photograph • hugging • George W. Bush

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