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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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 OPINION 
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A Lefty Will Be President

Dissecting 'handedness' in politics

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(Newser) – No matter what happens in November, a left-hander will take the White House. In fact, five of the last seven presidents have been southpaws. While left-handedness has been taken as a sign of everything from artistic talent to brain damage, ambidexterity may be a desirable quality in a leader. Left-handedness expert Melissa Roth tackles the topic for the Washington Post.

Science appears to favor Barack Obama, who is a mixed-hander, which some behavioral psychologists credit for imparting an understanding of different viewpoints. John McCain is a strong left-hander, having survived school pre-1950, when “correction” of lefties was in vogue. Being left-handed "allows you to see the world differently from other people," says a Harvard researcher, "and that can be a strength."

Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., eats lunch using his left hand at Luis's Taqueria in Woodburn, Ore., May 9, 2008. When eating finger food, the southpaw uses his right hand.
Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., eats lunch using his left hand at Luis's Taqueria in Woodburn, Ore., May 9, 2008. When eating finger food, the southpaw uses his right hand.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
John McCain autographs a photo of himself after speaking at a campaign rally Friday, April 11, 2008 in Lubbock, Texas.
John McCain autographs a photo of himself after speaking at a campaign rally Friday, April 11, 2008 in Lubbock, Texas.   (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., signs an autograph on the tarmac before he boards his campaign charter plane in Las Vegas, Tuesday, June 24, 2008.
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., signs an autograph on the tarmac before he boards his campaign charter plane in Las Vegas, Tuesday, June 24, 2008.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
U.S. Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain,left, gestures using his dominant hand during a press conference in Cartagena, Colombia, Tuesday July 1, 2008.
U.S. Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain,left, gestures using his dominant hand during a press conference in Cartagena, Colombia, Tuesday July 1, 2008.   (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)
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