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McCain Voters' Testosterone Dropped After Loss

For men, elections are dominance competitions

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 22, 2009 6:16 PM CDT

(Newser) – Male McCain voters were feeling a little less macho when the results of the 2008 election rolled in. Duke researchers tested testosterone levels in 183 voters across election night. Testosterone normally drops over the late evening—but male Obama voters’ levels remained stable, while McCain voters saw a bigger drop than usual. No such effect took place for women, notes Political Wire.

The study concludes: “Male, but not female, voters respond with testosterone changes to the outcome of presidential elections as if they had personally fought to ascend a social dominance hierarchy."

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., delivers remarks during an election night rally in Phoenix Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008. Looking on at right is wife Cindy McCain.
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., delivers remarks during an election night rally in Phoenix Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008. Looking on at right is wife Cindy McCain.   (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
In this Nov. 4, 2008, file photo, young supporters celebrate at a Democrats' gala in Denver as President-elect Barack Obama was making acceptance speech in Chicago.
In this Nov. 4, 2008, file photo, young supporters celebrate at a Democrats' gala in Denver as President-elect Barack Obama was making acceptance speech in Chicago.   (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., gestures as he delivers remarks during an election night rally in Phoenix Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008.
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., gestures as he delivers remarks during an election night rally in Phoenix Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008.   (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 10 comments
paul123
Oct 23, 2009 12:56 PM CDT
It could be related to depression after the election loss. Nothing new here. In 2004, when W got his second term and Kerry lost, there were so many folks depressed, that they name a psychologic state for it: Post Election Selection Trauma. http://www.newshounds.us/2004/...
JoeQ
Oct 23, 2009 6:54 AM CDT
Nocturnal Emission Accomplished.
AnnieOkie58
Oct 23, 2009 3:16 AM CDT
sounds like it.....divertrader....lol

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